Tea in packings ≤3 kg market in Moldova

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for tea in packings ≤3 kg grew from 1 006 t in 2018 to a peak of 1 095 t in 2021. This expansion was supported by rising consumer interest in premium tea varieties and sustainable packaging, which led to the emergence of new high-quality segments. Regulatory measures, including the extended producer responsibility (ERP) system and labeling requirements for tea packages, raised quality standards and market transparency, further facilitating market growth.

From 2022, the market volume declined to 1 065 t and then to 989 t in 2023. The downturn was driven by stricter quality controls, such as border rejections of tea imports due to pesticide residue monitoring, and the introduction of a packaging tax that increased costs for importers and producers. Additionally, new hygiene and certification requirements for packaged tea encouraged the entry of new players with international certifications, altering the competitive landscape.

Ongoing regulatory pressure on packaging, including mandates for recyclable and compostable materials, forced producers to overhaul their packaging solutions and develop eco-friendly products. This shift not only affected import dynamics but also stimulated innovation and the arrival of new market entrants specializing in sustainable packaging.

Production tea in packings ≤3 kg in Moldova

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

In 2018, Moldova's production of tea in packings of 3 kg or less hit its lowest point at 204.0 tons, marking a 5.6% decline. By 2020, output had rebounded to 216.0 tons, representing a 5.9% increase compared to 2019.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, the value of tea production in packings of 3 kg or less in Moldova was 2 834 thousand US dollars, showing minimal change from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 2.9%, which translates to an annualized decline of 1.0%. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with a 2.3% decrease.

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

Exports tea in packings ≤3 kg from Moldova

Exports in kind, t

Tea exports in packings of 3 kg or less from Moldova fell for the second year in a row. In 2018, shipments peaked at 140.3 tons, reflecting a 4.7% increase. By 2020, exports had dropped to 52.8 tons, down 44.0% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports declined by 60.6%, averaging an annual decrease of 26.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland was the primary destination for Moldova's tea exports in volume, accounting for 98.2% of total shipments.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of tea exports in packings of 3 kg or less from Moldova declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, exports reached their highest point at 1 996 thousand US dollars, with a 10.3% increase. By 2020, the value had fallen to 693 thousand US dollars, a sharp 47.1% drop from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value decreased by 61.7%, equating to an annualized decline of 27.4%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Poland dominated Moldova's tea export market in value terms, receiving 95.8% of total exports.

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

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

Imports tea in packings ≤3 kg to Moldova

Imports in kind, t

Imports of tea in packings of 3 kg or less into Moldova declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 914.9 tons, down 1.5% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 span, imports decreased by 5.4%, averaging an annual decline of 1.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Ukraine, and Poland were the main sources of Moldova's tea imports by volume. Russia led with 63.1%, followed by Ukraine at 13.2%, and Poland at 12.7%. Together, these three countries accounted for 89.0% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of tea imports in packings of 3 kg or less into Moldova fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 7 013 thousand US dollars, a 9.3% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value dropped by 17.9%, which averages out to an annual decline of 6.4%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Russia, Poland, and Ukraine were the key partners for Moldova's tea imports by value. Russia accounted for 54.5%, Poland for 19.9%, and Ukraine for 12.3%. Combined, these three countries made up 86.7% of total import value.

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

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