Tea market in SADC, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The tea market in SADC began the period at 443.9 thousand tonnes in 2018. The following year, volume fell to 421.7 thousand tonnes, a shift largely attributed to a sharp increase in exports facilitated by regional economic integration policies which improved market access for producers. In 2020, despite the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the market volume held steady at 421.9 thousand tonnes as the health crisis paradoxically boosted domestic tea consumption, with consumers seeking out healthy and natural products.

Market volume saw a slight contraction to 420.3 thousand tonnes in 2021 as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) began to influence trade patterns with tariff reductions. A significant recovery followed in 2022, with volume climbing to 444.8 thousand tonnes. This growth was driven by continuous product innovation, including new flavored infusions and functional teas, coupled with stronger placement in modern retail and digital distribution channels which expanded consumer access.

A notable decline in market volume occurred in 2023, falling to 397.1 thousand tonnes. This was primarily due to rising costs for agricultural inputs and energy, which put pressure on production. Furthermore, recurring climatic shocks, particularly droughts in the region, adversely affected the availability of tea leaves. Looking at 2024, key developments included the implementation of a revised SADC Certificate of Origin to ease intra-regional trade and the grant of a Protected Designation of Origin for rooibos by the European Union, strengthening the position of exporters in international markets.

Production tea in SADC

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of tea, 2017-2020

World map of production of tea, 2017-2020

After two years of growth, tea production in SADC declined. In 2020, SADC produced 476.4 K t of tea, which was a 2.0% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 11.9%, averaging an annual growth rate of 3.8%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 485.9 K t, with the largest year-on-year increase occurring in 2018 at 13.4%.

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

Exports tea from SADC

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, SADC exported 61 145 t of tea, marking a significant reduction of 16.2% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 13.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.8%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 47 211 t, while the peak was in 2019 at 72 965 t. The largest decline happened in 2018 with a 33.4% drop, and the biggest increase occurred in 2019 with a 54.6% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, tea exports from SADC were widely distributed across countries. The United Kingdom accounted for 18.4% of exports, Kenya for 14.7%, and Pakistan for 4.3%, together making up just 37.4% of total flows. The remaining 62.6% was spread among a diverse range of other destinations.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Tea exports from SADC declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, export value stood at 149.5 M $ US, down 15.8% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 18.3%, averaging an annual decline of 6.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 190.6 M $ US, with the largest increase that year at 4.2%.

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

The structure of tea exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 shows a diversified partner base. The United Kingdom contributed 18.2% of export value, Kenya 8.5%, and Egypt 6.3%, together accounting for only 33.0% of total flows. The remaining 67.0% was distributed among numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Imports tea to SADC

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes showed considerable volatility during this period. In 2020, SADC's tea imports amounted to 6 588 t, a 24.9% drop from 2019. Imports peaked in 2017 and reached their lowest point in 2020, with a 3.2-fold difference between these years. The largest decline was in 2018 at 59.3%, while the biggest increase was in 2019 at 3.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of tea imports into SADC remained highly diversified. Sri Lanka accounted for 8.5% of imports, Kenya for 3.8%, and China for 1.9%, together making up only 14.2% of total flows. The remaining 85.8% came from a wide array of smaller markets.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

SADC's tea imports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 68.9 M $ US, a substantial decrease of 12.0% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 25.3%, with an average annual decline of 9.3%.

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

During 2017-2020, key suppliers of tea to SADC included Sri Lanka with 14.9% of import value, Kenya with 4.1%, and China with 2.3%. However, their combined share reached only 21.4% of total imports in value terms, while the remaining 78.6% was distributed among many other partners.

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

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