Tea in packings ≤3 kg market in Argentina

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for tea in packings ≤3 kg in Argentina showed a slight increase in 2019, supported by domestic production of machinery and technology for tea processing and packaging. This growth was interrupted in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant supply chain and operational disruptions, leading to a sharp market contraction.

A partial recovery in 2021 was followed by renewed declines in 2022 and 2023. The gradual increase in employer contributions, which raised production costs, combined with the lasting effects of the pandemic, pressured the market. Concurrently, consumer preferences shifted towards green tea, organic products, and ready-to-drink formats, driving innovations in collagen-infused teas and sustainable, recyclable packaging.

On the supply side, the development of 24 high-yield tea cultivars by the INTA Cerro Azul research station strengthened the sector's genetic base. Argentina maintained its position as a major global tea producer and exporter, with most production destined for international markets in packings over 3 kg.

Production tea in packings ≤3 kg in Argentina

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Argentina ranked as the 10th largest producer of tea in packings of 3 kg or less worldwide.

Top producers of tea in packings ≤3 kg, 2017-2020

World map of production of tea in packings ≤3 kg, 2017-2020

Argentina's production of tea in packings of 3 kg or less declined after two years of growth. In 2020, output reached 73 890 tonnes, marking a significant drop of 11.2% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 9.3%, with an average annual decline of 3.2%. The peak was in 2019 at 83 241 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 1.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Argentina in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Argentina's production of tea in packings of 3 kg or less declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 554.2 million US dollars, showing a sharp decrease of 31.2% year-on-year. From 2017 to 2020, production dropped by 42.4%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Argentina in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports tea in packings ≤3 kg from Argentina

Exports in kind, kg

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2019 at 38 356 kg, with the largest decline that year at 14.3%. In 2020, Argentina exported 87 910 kg of tea in packings of 3 kg or less, a substantial increase of 129.2% compared to 2019, reaching the highest level. The difference between the peak in 2020 and the trough in 2019 was 2.3 times.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Argentina in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, the largest buyers of tea in packings of 3 kg or less from Argentina were Uruguay, accounting for 43.6% of exports in kind, Chile with 26.8%, and Paraguay at 25.6%. Together, these three countries made up 96.1% of total exports in kind.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Argentina in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Market behavior was marked by volatility in these years. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 371 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 20.6%. In 2020, Argentina's exports of tea in packings of 3 kg or less amounted to 659 thousand US dollars, a 77.5% increase compared to 2019. The peak-to-trough ratio from 2019 to 2020 was 1.8 times.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Argentina in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the main markets for exports in value terms were Uruguay, representing 42.7% of exports, Paraguay at 25.8%, and Chile with 22.9%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 91.4% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Argentina in value, 2017-2020

Imports tea in packings ≤3 kg to Argentina

Imports in kind, kg

Argentina's imports of tea in packings of 3 kg or less declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 34 765 kg, reflecting a sharp drop of 46.6% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 54.2%, with an average annual decline of 22.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Argentina in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, the primary sources for imports in kind were Chile, contributing 59.0% of imports, China at 11.1%, and the United States with 9.6%. Together, these three countries accounted for 79.6% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Argentina in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Argentina's imports of tea in packings of 3 kg or less fell for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at 588 thousand US dollars, indicating a decrease of 42.8% relative to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports dropped by 49%, equating to an annualized rate of 20.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Argentina in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During 2017-2020, the three main markets for imports in value terms were Chile, the United States, and Poland, which together absorbed 73.2% of total imports of tea in packings of 3 kg or less to Argentina.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Argentina in value, 2017-2020