Tea in packings ≤3 kg market in Mauritius

Earlier Report Observations

The market for tea in packings ≤3 kg in Mauritius expanded from 1 460 t in 2018 to 1 586 t in 2019. This growth period saw improved production standards as local company La Chartreuse obtained ISO 9000:2001 certification, enhancing quality in the local tea sector. The situation reversed sharply in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic eroded middle-class purchasing power and increased freight costs, causing the market volume to contract to 1 063 t.

A gradual recovery began from 2021. Rising production and packaging costs for major producers like Bois Chéri led to price increases, while a concurrent shift in consumer preference towards natural, organic, and detox drinks helped sustain underlying demand for tea. In 2022, high inflation fueled by soaring import and fuel prices, alongside rupee depreciation, continued to pressure costs, yet the growing consumer trend for authentic and natural products supported market growth to 1 158 t.

The recovery gained momentum in 2023, with the market volume reaching 1 336 t. The sustained consumer shift towards healthy beverages, established in prior years, provided a foundation for this expansion, even amid a high-cost environment.

Production tea in packings ≤3 kg in Mauritius

In kind, 2017-2020, t

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

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

Following two years of growth, Mauritius's production of tea in packings of 3 kg or less declined. In 2020, Mauritius produced 1,083 tonnes of this tea, representing a sharp 31.6% drop compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 21.5%, with an average annual decline of 7.7%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 1,583 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 7.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

After two years of increases, the value of Mauritius's production of tea in packings of 3 kg or less declined. In 2020, this output was valued at 11,523 thousand US dollars, marking a significant 17.9% decrease year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value fell by 3.5%, equating to an average annual decline of 1.2%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 14,031 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 11.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Mauritius in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports tea in packings ≤3 kg from Mauritius

Exports in kind, kg

Tea exports in packings of 3 kg or less from Mauritius increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 43,967 kg, showing a dramatic 36.1% rise compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 12.5%, with an average annual increase of 4.0%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 29,230 kg, which also experienced the largest decline of 25.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France was the leading destination for Mauritius's exports of tea in packings of 3 kg or less, accounting for 89.2% of total export flows, with the remainder distributed among other trading partners.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Mauritius's exports of tea in packings of 3 kg or less increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 467.8 thousand US dollars, amounting to a substantial 63.3% gain year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value rose by 38.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 263.8 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 22.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France absorbed 83.8% of the total export value of tea in packings of 3 kg or less from Mauritius, with the remaining share spread across a diverse range of smaller markets.

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

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

Imports tea in packings ≤3 kg to Mauritius

Imports in kind, kg

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 19,287 kg, while the highest occurred in 2019 at 35,093 kg, resulting in a peak-to-trough ratio of 1.8 times. In 2020, imports of tea in packings of 3 kg or less into Mauritius totaled 23,677 kg, indicating a sharp 32.5% decline year-over-year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 81.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, France, and Sri Lanka led the import structure in volume terms, with shares of 48.0%, 15.9%, and 9.1% of total imports, respectively. Together, these three countries accounted for 72.9% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of gains, imports of foreign tea in packings of 3 kg or less into Mauritius declined. In 2020, imports reached 431.8 thousand US dollars, showing a controlled 9.0% drop compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, import value increased by 20.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 474.7 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 22.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, France, and Sri Lanka consistently remained the main sources for imports in value terms, with shares of 41.2%, 22.0%, and 10.9% of total imports, respectively. Together, these three countries accounted for 74.1% of total import flows.

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

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