Tea market in Argentina

Earlier Report Observations

The Argentine tea market volume remained stable at around 287 thousand tons in 2018 and 2019, supported by concentrated production in Misiones province and ongoing genetic improvement programs. In 2020, however, market volume fell to 269.6 thousand tons, a 6% decrease, as the COVID-19 pandemic created operational challenges for the sector.

A slight recovery to 272.4 thousand tons occurred in 2021, partly because a smaller share of production was directed to export, leaving more tea for domestic consumption. The market then expanded to 286.9 thousand tons in 2022, a 5% increase, driven by the inauguration of the country's first concentrated tea extract plant and a new green tea facility, which boosted processing capacity. The reopening of food-service venues after pandemic restrictions also stimulated out-of-home tea consumption, while the incorporation of white tea and flavored teas into the Argentine Food Code broadened product variety.

In 2023, the market volume experienced a modest contraction to 282.4 thousand tons. During this period, the industry focused on exploring non-traditional export markets in the Middle East and North Africa. Regulatory adjustments were made in 2024 to the Front-of-Pack Labeling Law, simplifying labeling requirements for producers and aligning them with international standards.

Production tea in Argentina

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Argentina maintained the 10th position globally in tea production volume from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of tea, 2017-2020

World map of production of tea, 2017-2020

After two years of growth, Argentina's tea production declined. In 2020, the country produced 335.2 K t of tea, marking a gradual decrease of 7.4% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 5.3%, which translates to an annualized rate of 1.8%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 362.0 K t, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 1.7% rise.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Argentina's tea production value declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 382.9 M $ US, down by 9.1% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 15.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.4%.

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

Exports tea from Argentina

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, tea exports from Argentina totaled 65 978 t, representing a significant decline of 12.4% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 11.9%, with an annualized rate of 4.1%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 75 322 t, which also saw the largest increase of 3.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Chile, and Poland were the leading destinations for Argentina's tea exports in kind. The United States accounted for 65.4% of exports, Chile for 12.8%, and Poland for 3.6%, together making up 81.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Tea exports from Argentina declined in value for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 75 365 K $ US, a decrease of 14.1% compared to 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, exports fell by 21.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the primary buyer of tea from Argentina, accounting for 71.4% of total exports in value terms, while a diverse group of other countries made up the remainder.

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

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

Imports tea to Argentina

Imports in kind, t

Tea imports into Argentina declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 317 t, showing little change from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 19.6%, with an annualized rate of 7.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Chile, and Sri Lanka were the main sources of tea imports into Argentina in kind. China contributed 45.8% of imports, Chile 10.6%, and Sri Lanka 10.3%, collectively accounting for 66.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Tea imports into Argentina declined in value for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Argentina imported tea worth 1 341 K $ US, which is 20.5% less than in 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, imports decreased by 37.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -14.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Chile, and Sri Lanka were the key suppliers of tea to Argentina in value terms. China accounted for 27.0% of imports, Chile for 26.0%, and Sri Lanka for 12.5%, together representing 65.6% of total import value.

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

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