Global tea market size 2018-2029
The global tea market was valued at around 260 billion U.S. dollars in 2023, and is expected to rise to 362 billion dollars by 2029. Tea has a long history of popularity worldwide. It is thought to have originated in China, with records of its use dating back to the 3rd century AD. Originally used as a medicinal beverage, the drink was popularized for recreational use during the Tang dynasty and spread to other Asian countries. After European traders brought the leaves back to Europe in the 16th century, its popularity spread in the West as well.
Production
Today, China is still the leader in tea production. The country produced over 3.3 million metric tons of it in 2023. Other large producers are India and Kenya. These regions are hospitable to Camellia sinensis, the plant used to produce tea, which needs a tropical or subtropical climate.
Consumption
While the United States are the biggest importer of tea worldwide, buying over 519 million dollars’ worth in 2023, it is the citizens of Turkey who are most fond of the beverage. In 2016, the average Turkish person consumed nearly seven pounds of tea during the year.