Tea in packings ≤3 kg market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The market for tea in packings of 3 kg or less in the MENA region experienced significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. Volume grew from 111.7 thousand tons in 2018 to 128.9 thousand tons in 2019, then contracted to 108.6 thousand tons in 2020. A recovery followed, reaching 114.9 thousand tons in 2021 before a sharp surge to 154.1 thousand tons in 2022. The market then adjusted to 145.6 thousand tons in 2023.

Recent developments have shaped the market's structure and preferences. In 2023, a notable shift occurred in the UAE with the trend of importing bulk tea for local packaging in the Jebel Ali Free Zone, reducing costs and allowing for a wider variety of tea types, including black, green, flavored, and decaffeinated options. By 2024, the market saw a stronger push towards value-added segments. The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre processed over 24 400 metric tons of tea, driving initiatives for a climate-smart and digitally traceable supply chain. Demand grew for premium, organic, functional teas, and ready-to-drink beverages, supported by expanding retail infrastructure and higher tourist footfall. Iced tea solidified its dominance, capturing 66% of the regional market, while new companies and ready-to-drink products continued to enter, reflecting evolving consumer habits. Concurrently, imports rose in key markets like Morocco, influencing regional trade flows.

Production tea in packings ≤3 kg in MENA

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

Tea production in packings of 3 kg or less in the MENA region has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, output reached 60 859 tonnes, marking a sharp 66.9% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 77.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 21.0%.

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

Exports tea in packings ≤3 kg from MENA

Exports in kind, K t

The market showed significant volatility during these years. Exports hit their lowest point in 2019 at 21.5 thousand tonnes, then surged to 42.2 thousand tonnes in 2020, representing a steep 96.4% year-on-year increase. This swing resulted in a two-fold difference between the peak in 2020 and the trough in 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when exports fell by 36.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from MENA in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, exports of tea in packings of 3 kg or less from MENA were distributed across numerous partner countries. Australia accounted for 8.0% of exports by volume, Uzbekistan for 2.3%, and Poland for 1.9%. Together, these three countries represented just 12.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the value of MENA's tea exports in packings of 3 kg or less reached 320.5 million US dollars, a 21.1% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 67.6%, with an average annual rate of 18.8%. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 40.1%, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 1.2% drop.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Australia, the United States, and France played notable but not dominant roles as buyers of tea in packings of 3 kg or less from MENA. Australia accounted for 5.8% of export value, the United States for 5.1%, and France for 2.6%. Their combined share reached only 13.6% of total export value.

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

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

Imports tea in packings ≤3 kg to MENA

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, MENA imported 90.0 thousand tonnes of tea in packings of 3 kg or less, a significant 21.0% decrease year-on-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports declined by 24.6%, with an average annual decrease of 9.0%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, when imports rose by 4.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to MENA in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Sri Lanka, China, and India were the largest suppliers of tea in packings of 3 kg or less to MENA. Sri Lanka accounted for 35.6% of imports by volume, China for 23.0%, and India for 5.8%. Together, these three countries formed 64.4% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Tea imports in packings of 3 kg or less to MENA declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totalled 530.1 million US dollars, equivalent to a substantial 16.2% year-on-year fall. Between 2017 and 2020, import value decreased by 28.6%, equating to an average annual decline of 10.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Sri Lanka, China, and India formed the main cluster of markets for tea imports in packings of 3 kg or less to MENA by value. Sri Lanka accounted for 32.1% of import value, China for 13.0%, and India for 5.1%. Their combined share reached 50.2% of total import flows.

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

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