Tea market in CIS

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the tea market volume in CIS declined from 240 thousand tons to 217 thousand tons. Geopolitical risks and currency fluctuations affected import flows, while domestic production expanded as part of import substitution policies. The mandatory digital labeling for tea and coffee, introduced in 2020, altered supply chain transparency. Consumer preferences shifted towards higher-quality teas and green varieties, supporting market value despite volume contraction.

Market volume rebounded to 226 thousand tons in 2022, driven by a 6.7% increase in domestic production and continued import substitution efforts. However, the exit of the major international player Ekaterra, which closed its St. Petersburg plant, coupled with sanctions and rising delivery costs, led to a sharp volume drop to 201 thousand tons in 2023. Domestic producer OOO Orimi raised output to compensate, but could not fully offset the supply reduction.

Production tea in CIS

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of tea, 2017-2020

World map of production of tea, 2017-2020

In 2019, tea production in the CIS reached its lowest point at 1 227 tons. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 1 373 tons, which saw the largest decline of 10.6% the following year. By 2020, production had recovered slightly to 1 274 tons, marking a 3.8% increase compared to 2019. Overall, between 2017 and 2020, tea production in the CIS decreased by 4.2%, averaging an annual decline of 1.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Tea production in the CIS has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the value of tea output was 15 964 thousand US dollars, representing a 0.8% decrease year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, production value fell by 32%, with a compound annual growth rate of -12.1%.

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

Exports tea from CIS

Exports in kind, K t

Tea exports from the CIS have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 11.0 thousand tons, showing a robust 12.6% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 69.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 19.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the export structure for tea in kind remained fragmented, with no single country dominating. Ukraine accounted for 10.6% of exports, Georgia for 3.3%, and Israel for 2.8%. Together, these three countries represented only 16.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Tea exports from the CIS in value terms have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 137.7 million US dollars, reflecting a measured 7.7% rise compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, export value grew by 20.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, tea exports in value terms were not concentrated on a few key markets. Ukraine held a 12.2% share, Georgia 4.5%, and Israel 2.4%. Combined, these three countries accounted for just 19.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports tea to CIS

Imports in kind, K t

Tea imports to the CIS have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 232.3 thousand tons, showing minimal change compared to 2019. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 247.8 thousand tons, which saw a slight increase of 0.2% that year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 6.1% drop. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 6.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the main suppliers of tea to the CIS in kind were India with a 23.6% share, Sri Lanka with 18.9%, and China with 16.7%. Together, these three countries accounted for 59.2% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Tea imports to the CIS in value terms have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 675.8 million US dollars, reflecting a small contraction of 3.0% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, import value decreased by 17.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main sources of tea imports to the CIS in value terms were Sri Lanka with a 27.1% share, India with 20.2%, and Kenya with 15.5%. Together, these three countries absorbed 62.8% of total import value.

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

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