Top 10 Tea Producing Countries

Top 10 tea producing countries are China, India, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Turkey, Indonesia, Japan, Iran and Argentina.

Country	Production in Metric Tonnes
China	2.80 Million
India	1.30 Million
Kenya	0.50 Million
Sri Lanka	0.30 Million
Vietnam	0.26 Million
Turkey	0.23 Million
Indonesia	0.15 Million
Japan	0.09 Million
Iran	0.08 Million
Argentina	0.07 Million

1. China

China produces various types of tea, including green, black, white, oolong, and pu-erh. Chinese tea culture is extensive, with ceremonies like Gongfu Cha, which involves a meticulous brewing process. Tea is an essential part of Chinese social life and traditional medicine. Not only the tea was discovered in China, it is the largest producer of tea as well as the highest consumer.

2. India

India is known for black tea varieties like Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri. The Indian tea culture includes the popular masala chai, a spiced milk tea made with black tea, milk, sugar, and spices like cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon. Tea is a staple in Indian households and social gatherings.

3. Kenya

Kenya primarily produces black tea, with some green and white teas. The country is known for its CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) black tea, which is used in tea blends worldwide. Tea is a significant export commodity, but Kenyans also enjoy tea with milk and sugar, similar to British-style tea.

4. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is famous for its Ceylon black tea. The country also produces green and white teas. Sri Lankan tea culture is influenced by British colonial traditions, with tea often served with milk and sugar.

5. Vietnam

Vietnam produces green, black, and oolong teas. Lotus tea, made by infusing green tea with lotus flower fragrance, is a unique Vietnamese specialty. Tea is an essential part of Vietnamese culture, often enjoyed in social settings and during traditional ceremonies.

6. Turkey

Turkey mainly produces black tea, particularly from the Rize region. Turkish tea culture revolves around the strong black tea served in tulip-shaped glasses, often with sugar but without milk. Tea is a symbol of hospitality and an integral part of daily life.

7. Indonesia

Indonesia produces black, green, and oolong teas. The country is known for its Java and Sumatra black teas. Tea is a popular beverage in Indonesia, often enjoyed with sugar and sometimes with sweetened condensed milk.

8. Japan

Japan is famous for its green tea varieties, such as sencha, matcha, and gyokuro. The Japanese tea ceremony, or chanoyu, is a cultural tradition that emphasises the preparation, serving, and enjoyment of tea. Tea is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture and daily life.

9. Iran

Iran primarily produces black tea. Iranian tea culture involves serving strong black tea with sugar cubes or rock candy (nabat). Tea is an essential part of Iranian hospitality and daily life.

10. Argentina

Argentina produces mainly black tea, used in blends for iced tea and other beverages. The country’s tea culture is overshadowed by the popularity of yerba mate, a traditional herbal infusion.

Interesting fact is that the top producers of tea China and India are the top consumers of tea as well, unlike coffee where top 10 coffee producing countries are no where near the top 10 coffee consumers.