Tea market in Malawi

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, Malawi's tea market volume fluctuated between 170.7 thousand tons and 218.6 thousand tons. After a drop to 170.7 thousand tons in 2019, the market rebounded strongly to 217.5 thousand tons in 2020. This was followed by a slight dip in 2021, another peak in 2022 at 218.6 thousand tons, and a decline to 202.5 thousand tons in 2023. Production followed a similar pattern, reaching 253.8 thousand tons in 2020 and 268.0 thousand tons in 2022, but falling to 247.7 thousand tons in 2023.

In value terms, the market peaked at 439.2 million USD in 2020, then entered a sustained downward trend, dropping to 315.8 million USD by 2023. This decline in market value occurred despite volume fluctuations, suggesting underlying price pressures or shifts in market composition. Exports remained a significant outlet for Malawian tea, varying from 36.2 thousand tons to 49.4 thousand tons annually, which influenced domestic availability.

Production tea in Malawi

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

On a global scale, Malawi ranked as the 12th largest producer of tea during the period from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of tea, 2017-2020

World map of production of tea, 2017-2020

In 2020, Malawi produced 253.8 thousand tonnes of tea, marking a 20.9% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 28.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.6%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 4.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Malawi's tea output was valued at 512.3 million US dollars, showing a 21.8% rise from the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value increased by 35.1%, corresponding to an annualized growth rate of 10.5%. The most significant drop was in 2019, with an 8.8% decrease.

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

Exports tea from Malawi

Exports in kind, t

Malawi's tea exports declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country exported 36 333 tonnes of tea, reflecting a gradual year-over-year decrease of 7.6%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 10.1%, with an average annual decline of 3.5%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 41 548 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 2.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Singapore were the key markets for Malawi's tea exports in volume terms. The United Kingdom accounted for 29.8% of exports, South Africa for 27.2%, and Singapore for 8.1%, together making up 65.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Malawi's tea export value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 73 336 thousand US dollars, representing a moderate 6.9% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value dropped by 5.3%, with an average annual decline of 1.8%. The peak value was in 2018 at 87 074 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 12.5%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a 9.5% fall.

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

During 2017-2020, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Singapore led Malawi's tea exports in value terms. The United Kingdom held 31.6% of export value, South Africa 24.6%, and Singapore 10.3%, collectively accounting for 66.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports tea to Malawi

Imports in kind, t

Malawi's tea import volume declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country imported 57 tonnes of tea, indicating a moderate 6.4% reduction from the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 3.3%, with an average annual decline of 1.1%. The highest import volume was in 2018 at 69 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 16.7%. The most significant drop was in 2019, with an 11.5% decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa was the primary source of tea imports to Malawi, accounting for 82.3% of total import volume, while the remainder was distributed among other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Malawi's tea import value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 220 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a steep 28.6% drop from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value fell by 6.4%, with an average annual decline of 2.2%. The peak value was in 2018 at 320 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 35.9%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, South Africa clearly dominated Malawi's tea imports in value terms, taking 85.5% of total import flows, while other countries each held significantly smaller shares.

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

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