Tea market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The South African tea market volume grew from 17 739 t in 2018 to 20 015 t in 2020, a 12.8% increase over two years. This expansion was primarily driven by the emergence of flavoured and health-focused tea infusions, which gained traction as consumer demand shifted towards beverages that combine tradition with modern tastes. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further accelerated health and wellness trends, significantly boosting demand for functional and ready-to-drink teas, which were perceived as healthier alternatives to carbonated soft drinks.

Following the peak in 2020, market volume contracted to 18 850 t in 2021 and further to 16 430 t in 2022, a cumulative decline of 17.9%. During this period, specific segments such as ready-to-drink teas demonstrated resilience, with continued innovation and new product launches from major companies like Dilmah and Tetley responding to consumer preferences for indulgent, low-caffeine options. The market also saw the expansion of artisanal and specialty tea brands emphasizing organic ingredients and sustainable packaging, capturing a growing share of consumer interest.

In 2023, the market volume stabilized at 16 396 t, with a negligible decline of less than 0.3%. This stabilization coincided with a surge in demand for specialty teas like matcha and herbal infusions, as health and wellness trends remained a dominant force. Ongoing innovation in premium blends, experiential offerings, and biodegradable packaging helped maintain consumer engagement, supporting the market despite broader volumetric challenges.

Production tea in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of tea, 2018-2021

World map of production of tea, 2018-2021

South Africa's tea production reached 1 819 tonnes in 2020, marking the highest level in recent years. However, output declined slightly to 1 807 tonnes in 2021, representing a 0.6% decrease from the previous year. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 793 tonnes. Year-over-year changes show a 1.4% increase in 2020, followed by a 0.9% decline in 2019.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

After two consecutive years of decline, South Africa's tea production value rebounded in 2021. Output was valued at 9 258 thousand US dollars, showing a significant 19.0% increase compared to 2020. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 7 779 thousand US dollars, which represented a 12.5% decrease from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports tea from South Africa

Exports in kind, t

South Africa's tea exports have declined for three consecutive years. In 2021, the country shipped 4 456 tonnes abroad, reflecting a substantial 12.8% decrease from 2020. Looking at the broader trend from 2018 to 2021, exports fell by 25.4%, equivalent to an annualized decline rate of 9.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, Botswana, Namibia, and Mozambique were the primary destinations for South Africa's tea exports by volume. Botswana accounted for 26.1% of exports, Namibia for 22.9%, and Mozambique for 12.0%. Together, these three markets represented 60.9% of South Africa's total tea export volume during this period.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Following two years of decline, the value of South Africa's tea exports increased in 2021. Export value reached 22 827 thousand US dollars, showing a 4.4% year-over-year growth. However, from 2018 to 2021, export value decreased by 26%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 9.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 21 861 thousand US dollars, which represented a 16.3% decrease from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Botswana, Namibia, and Mozambique collectively accounted for 59.8% of the total value of South Africa's tea exports.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021

Imports tea to South Africa

Imports in kind, t

South Africa's tea imports decreased to 21 498 tonnes in 2021, representing a 7.8% reduction compared to 2020. The highest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 23 308 tonnes, which marked an 8.0% increase from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania were South Africa's main tea suppliers by volume. Malawi accounted for 52.6% of imports, Zimbabwe for 22.3%, and Tanzania for 10.8%. Together, these three countries supplied 85.7% of South Africa's total tea import volume during this period.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

South Africa's tea import value has declined for three consecutive years. In 2021, imports totaled 37 504 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 6.3% decrease from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, import value fell by 15.4%, equivalent to an annualized decline rate of 5.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka were the principal sources of South Africa's tea imports by value. Malawi accounted for 42.8% of import value, Zimbabwe for 15.9%, and Sri Lanka for 15.8%. Together, these three countries represented 74.6% of South Africa's total tea import value during this period.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021