Tea in packings ≤3 kg market in Zimbabwe

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for tea in packings ≤3 kg in Zimbabwe showed a general downward trend from 15 499 tonnes in 2018 to 13 974 tonnes in 2023. After a temporary increase to 15 399 tonnes in 2021, the market contracted in subsequent years.

In 2023, tea production fell by 14% due to an El Nino-induced drought, which reduced tea hectarage from 5 662 to 4 868 hectares and limited irrigation capacity. This decline in production directly contributed to the lower market volume. Simultaneously, the industry saw the scaling up of indigenous herbal teas production through partnerships with private companies, marking the emergence of a new segment.

Drought conditions persisted into 2024, affecting output and profits for major producers such as Tanganda Tea. The operating environment improved with the introduction of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency in April 2024, which stabilized exchange rates and supported local earnings from tea sales. Consumer behavior also shifted, with a 28% increase in basket size for packed tea products despite a decline in customer count, while partnerships continued to promote indigenous herbal teas.

Production tea in packings ≤3 kg in Zimbabwe

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Zimbabwe ranked as the 22nd largest producer of tea in packings of 3 kg or less globally.

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

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

Zimbabwe's production of tea in packings of 3 kg or less declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 15 000 tonnes, a slight decrease of 1.3% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 3.2%, averaging an annual decline of 1.1%. The highest output was recorded in 2018 at 15 700 tonnes, while the largest drop occurred in 2019 with a 3.2% decrease. In contrast, 2018 saw the biggest increase at 1.3%.

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

Exports tea in packings ≤3 kg from Zimbabwe

Exports in kind, t

Zimbabwe's exports of tea in packings of 3 kg or less fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 72.3 tonnes, a sharp decline of 57.0% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports dropped by 80%, with an average annual decrease of 41.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Zambia was the primary buyer of Zimbabwe's tea in packings of 3 kg or less, accounting for 79.9% of total exports by volume. Other trading partners held relatively small shares.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports in value terms varied significantly, with a 4.3-fold difference between the peak in 2017 and the low in 2020. In 2020, Zimbabwe exported 202.4 thousand US dollars worth of tea in packings of 3 kg or less, a drop of 62.0% from the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 5.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Zambia dominated Zimbabwe's exports of tea in packings of 3 kg or less in value terms, taking 80.0% of the total. The remaining exports were spread across a fragmented group of other markets.

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

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

Imports tea in packings ≤3 kg to Zimbabwe

Imports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Imports varied by a factor of 4.9, from a high in 2017 to a low in 2018. In 2020, Zimbabwe imported 29.4 tonnes of tea in packings of 3 kg or less, a strong fall of 10.8% from the year before. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 24.9 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 79.6%. The biggest increase occurred in 2019 at 32.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa was the key source for Zimbabwe's imports of tea in packings of 3 kg or less by volume, accounting for 75.6% of the total. Other destinations played a much less significant role.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market displayed signs of volatility over the observed period. Import values reached their maximum in 2017 and fell to a minimum in 2018, a 3.8-fold shift. In 2020, Zimbabwe's imports of tea in packings of 3 kg or less amounted to 209.3 thousand US dollars, remaining broadly stable compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 181.8 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 74.0%. The biggest increase was in 2019 at 15.7%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, South Africa played a dominant role in Zimbabwe's imports of tea in packings of 3 kg or less in value terms, consistently accounting for 97.0% of total flows.

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

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