Tea in packings ≤3 kg market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for tea in packings of up to 3 kg in Russia expanded from 2018 to 2021, with production rising from 112.1 thousand tonnes to 137.8 thousand tonnes and market size growing from 105.9 thousand tonnes to 127.9 thousand tonnes. This growth was initially supported by the emergence of new flavored teas and blends in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 significantly shifted consumer preferences towards healthier options like herbal and functional teas, boosting demand. The trend continued into 2021, when stricter labeling and packaging requirements enhanced market transparency, and the entry of new players with innovative products, such as pyramid sachets, further stimulated supply and variety.

Market dynamics shifted between 2022 and 2023. The introduction of new traceability and labeling rules in 2022, coupled with tightened import controls amid global logistical disruptions and sanctions, affected supply chains. Concurrent support for domestic manufacturers helped push production to a peak of 146.9 thousand tonnes, while the overall market size stabilized near 128 thousand tonnes. In 2023, the market volume reached 139.6 thousand tonnes despite a drop in production, driven largely by the strengthened role of online trade and a continued expansion of the assortment, including premium and specialty teas.

Following the 2023 peak, both production and market size contracted. Production fell to 110.2 thousand tonnes in 2024, with the market volume declining to 109.7 thousand tonnes, and decreased further to 105.0 thousand tonnes of production in 2025.

Production tea in packings ≤3 kg in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, Russia ranked as the world's 8th largest producer of tea in packings of 3 kg or less.

Top producers of tea in packings ≤3 kg, 2018-2021

World map of production of tea in packings ≤3 kg, 2018-2021

Russia's production of tea in packings of 3 kg or less grew for the second year in a row. In 2021, output reached 137.8 K t, a significant increase of 10.3% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 23%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 7.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 111.4 K t, with the largest decline that year at 0.6%. The most substantial increase occurred in 2020, when production jumped by 12.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports tea in packings ≤3 kg from Russia

Exports in kind, t

Russia's exports of tea in packings of 3 kg or less expanded for the third consecutive year. In 2021, shipments abroad totaled 20 915 t, showing a modest gain of 4.9% over 2020. From 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 13.6%, averaging an annual growth rate of 4.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine remained the primary destinations for Russia's tea exports in kind. Belarus accounted for 24.1% of exports, Kazakhstan for 22.9%, and Ukraine for 11.8%. Together, these three countries represented 58.8% of total export volumes.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of Russia's tea exports in packings of 3 kg or less rose for the third year in a row. In 2021, export revenues reached 113.6 M $ US, a 9.4% improvement compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, export values increased by 18.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine formed the key markets for Russia's tea exports in value terms. Belarus contributed 24.5% of export value, Kazakhstan 19.6%, and Ukraine 13.6%. Collectively, these three countries made up 57.7% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Russia in value, 2018-2021

Imports tea in packings ≤3 kg to Russia

Imports in kind, t

Russia's imports of tea in packings of 3 kg or less remained relatively stable in 2021, with volumes at 12 290 t, showing little change from the previous year. The highest import level was recorded in 2019 at 12 483 t, which also saw the largest increase of 3.0%. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, when imports fell by 2.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021, t

During 2018-2021, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan, and India were the main sources of Russia's tea imports in kind. Sri Lanka supplied 60.0% of imports, Kazakhstan 16.3%, and India 8.0%. Together, these three countries accounted for 84.2% of total import volumes.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

After declining for two years, Russia's imports of tea in packings of 3 kg or less in value terms increased in 2021. Import value stood at 60.0 M $ US, marking a modest gain of 5.5% compared to the previous year. However, over the 2018-2021 period, import values decreased by 4.9%, averaging an annual decline of 1.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 56.9 M $ US, which also experienced the largest drop of 9.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan, and India played leading roles in Russia's tea imports in value terms. Sri Lanka accounted for 52.6% of import value, Kazakhstan for 16.1%, and India for 8.7%. Combined, these three countries represented 77.3% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Russia in value, 2018-2021