Tea market in Americas

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the tea market volume in the Americas decreased from 387.8 thousand tons to 354.8 thousand tons. During this period, consumer interest in tea grew in France, supported by dedicated events and festivals, while the market's value expanded due to continuous flavor innovations. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 reinforced the trend towards home consumption and healthier, natural beverages.

Market volume recovered to 368.5 thousand tons in 2021, aided by the broadening of tea-based drink varieties, such as the Evian and Kusmi Tea collaboration offering white tea-infused mineral water. In 2022, volume reached 370.7 thousand tons as the iced tea segment surged by 13% in value, driven by brands like Lipton Ice Tea and Fuze Tea. That year also witnessed a significant market restructuring with Unilever selling its tea division Ekaterra to CVC Capital Partners. However, volume dipped to 361.3 thousand tons in 2023 despite a rebound in out-of-home iced tea demand and persistent product innovations featuring natural ingredients and new flavors.

Production tea in Americas

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of tea, 2017-2020

World map of production of tea, 2017-2020

After two consecutive years of growth, tea production in the Americas declined. In 2020, the region produced 351.5 thousand tons of tea, marking a modest year-over-year decrease of 7.0%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 5.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%. The peak was reached in 2019 at 378.1 thousand tons, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 1.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Americas in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of decline, the value of tea production in the Americas increased. In 2020, tea output was valued at 3 447 million US dollars, representing a slight rise of 2.8% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, however, production value decreased by 37.5%, equating to an annualized decline of 14.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 3 351 million US dollars, with the largest annual drop occurring that same year at 24.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Americas in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports tea from Americas

Exports in kind, K t

The market showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. The lowest tea export volume from the Americas was recorded in 2018 at 18.9 thousand tons, while the highest occurred in 2019 at 39.5 thousand tons, representing a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.1 times. In 2020, exports totaled 32.5 thousand tons, indicating a decline of 17.8% compared to the previous year. The largest annual decrease was recorded in 2018 at 52.0%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 108.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, tea exports from the Americas were distributed across a diverse range of partners. Poland accounted for 3.4% of export volume, Russia for 2.9%, and Germany for 2.7%. Together, these three markets represented just 8.9% of total flows, with the remaining 91.1% spread among numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Tea exports from the Americas declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 137.9 million US dollars worth of tea, which is 6.5% lower than in 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 13.4%, with a compound annual decline of 4.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, no single market dominated tea exports from the Americas in value terms. Poland accounted for 2.3% of export value, Germany for 2.0%, and Russia for 1.5%. Combined, these three partners represented only 5.8% of total export value, with many smaller markets each holding modest individual shares.

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

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

Imports tea to Americas

Imports in kind, K t

The market demonstrated volatility over the observed period. The lowest tea import volume into the Americas was recorded in 2019 at 29.3 thousand tons, while the peak occurred in 2017, resulting in a top-to-bottom ratio of 5.2 times. In 2020, imports reached 35.8 thousand tons, representing a 22.1% increase compared to the previous year. The largest annual decline was recorded in 2018 at 79.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, tea imports into the Americas were characterized by diversification. Sri Lanka accounted for 20.1% of import volume, China for 6.4%, and the United Kingdom for 6.4%. Together, these three countries represented just 32.8% of total flows, with no single partner holding a clearly dominant position.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the Americas imported 230.8 million US dollars worth of tea, showing a year-over-year gain of 4.5%. Between 2017 and 2020, however, import value decreased by 3.1%, equating to an annualized decline of 1.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 230.8 million US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2018 at 257.8 million US dollars. The largest annual decrease was recorded in 2019 at 10.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, tea imports into the Americas in value terms relied on a wide range of partner countries. Sri Lanka accounted for 16.3% of import value, China for 11.3%, and the United Kingdom for 7.7%. Together, these three markets represented just 35.3% of total flows.

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

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