Key takeaways for search and sourcing teams
- Rooibos Tea market coverage spans 136 countries.
- 276 exporter companies and 313 importer companies are indexed in the global supply chain intelligence network for this product.
- 1,120 supplier-linked transactions are summarized across the top 20 countries.
- 0 premium suppliers and 0 catalog items are currently listed.
- Wholesale sample entries: 0; farmgate sample entries: 0.
- Latest reference year in this page dataset is 2024.
- Page data last updated on 2026-04-04.
Global Supplier Transactions, Export Activity, and Price Benchmarks for Rooibos Tea
Analyze 1,120 supplier-linked transactions across the top 20 countries, with monthly unit-price benchmarks to track export competitiveness and sourcing risk for Rooibos Tea.
Rooibos Tea Country YoY Change in Supplier Transactions and Export Momentum
Compare positive and negative YoY shifts in Rooibos Tea to identify accelerating supplier markets and weakening export corridors.
Top YoY shifts for Rooibos Tea: Japan (-84.7%), United Arab Emirates (+67.3%), Thailand (-52.7%).
Rooibos Tea Country-Level Supplier Transaction and Unit Price Summary
As of 2025-05, benchmark Rooibos Tea country transaction counts with monthly unit price and volume to prioritize supplier and export markets.
In 2025-10, countries with visible Rooibos Tea transaction unit prices: Spain (70.45 USD / kg), France (60.91 USD / kg), Canada (45.38 USD / kg), Poland (42.80 USD / kg), Sri Lanka (38.39 USD / kg), 6 more countries.
| Country | YoY Change | Transaction Count | 2025-05 | 2025-06 | 2025-07 | 2025-08 | 2025-09 | 2025-10 | 2025-11 | 2025-12 | 2026-01 | 2026-02 | 2026-03 | 2026-04 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | +3.0% | 564 | 9.77 USD / kg (13,998.52 kg) | 9.84 USD / kg (3,072.51 kg) | 6.32 USD / kg (20,689.05 kg) | 6.62 USD / kg (115,012.41 kg) | 7.49 USD / kg (124,133.58 kg) | 9.19 USD / kg (11,635.87 kg) | ||||||
| Germany | +3.4% | 179 | 24.58 USD / kg (1,658.85 kg) | 12.46 USD / kg (2,829.8 kg) | 32.47 USD / kg (1,706.528 kg) | 13.66 USD / kg (29,687.95 kg) | 12.13 USD / kg (3,528.4 kg) | 31.47 USD / kg (4,269.1 kg) | ||||||
| Sri Lanka | +8.7% | 52 | 41.28 USD / kg (1,152.95 kg) | 26.88 USD / kg (1,000.948 kg) | 21.29 USD / kg (1,611.13 kg) | 34.14 USD / kg (862.88 kg) | 45.00 USD / kg (595.808 kg) | 38.39 USD / kg (763.344 kg) | ||||||
| United Kingdom | -5.9% | 46 | 41.65 USD / kg (86.71 kg) | 207.62 USD / kg (148.05 kg) | 55.51 USD / kg (139.9 kg) | 123.51 USD / kg (114.66 kg) | 45.26 USD / kg (37.6 kg) | 28.30 USD / kg (198.46 kg) | ||||||
| Japan | -84.7% | 16 | 0.93 USD / kg (151,346.935 kg) | 0.87 USD / kg (1,500 kg) | 0.89 USD / kg (49,178.398 kg) | 0.90 USD / kg (57,328.801 kg) | 0.85 USD / kg (2,500.41 kg) | - (-) | ||||||
| Denmark | +38.1% | 11 | 40.77 USD / kg (107 kg) | 42.35 USD / kg (272 kg) | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | ||||||
| India | +9.6% | 96 | 49.38 USD / kg (116.4 kg) | 26.13 USD / kg (3,190.01 kg) | 16.91 USD / kg (1,162.912 kg) | 25.09 USD / kg (1,012.262 kg) | 18.85 USD / kg (4,176.06 kg) | 37.74 USD / kg (83.07 kg) | ||||||
| France | -2.6% | 54 | 73.99 USD / kg (60 kg) | 92.23 USD / kg (25.5 kg) | 39.84 USD / kg (39.376 kg) | 99.68 USD / kg (47.47 kg) | 20.92 USD / kg (30 kg) | 60.91 USD / kg (84.208 kg) | ||||||
| United States | +41.7% | 45 | 78.87 USD / kg (309.908 kg) | 32.46 USD / kg (251.45 kg) | 89.86 USD / kg (328.5 kg) | 56.31 USD / kg (590.54 kg) | 50.59 USD / kg (790.624 kg) | 34.39 USD / kg (455.4 kg) | ||||||
| Costa Rica | +14.8% | 9 | - (-) | 48.55 USD / kg (60 kg) | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) |
Rooibos Tea Global Supply Chain Coverage
589 companies
276 exporters and 313 importers are mapped for Rooibos Tea.
Exporters and importers can use Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to identify counterparties for Rooibos Tea, benchmark reach, and prioritize outreach by market.
Rooibos Tea Export Supplier Intelligence, Trade Flows, and Price Signals
276 exporter companies are mapped in Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence for Rooibos Tea. Exporters and importers can use company profiles and analytics to evaluate supplier coverage, trading activity, and route opportunities.
Rooibos Tea Top Exporters and Supplier Profiles
Review leading exporter profiles while benchmarking against 276 total exporter companies in the Rooibos Tea supply chain intelligence network. Exporters and importers can unlock company profiles and analytics to qualify partners faster.
(South Africa)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-03-04
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Food ManufacturingBeverage ManufacturingOnline Retail And Fulfillment
Value Chain Roles: TradeDistribution / WholesaleFood Manufacturing
(South Africa)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-03-13
Recently Export Partner Companies: 5
Employee Size: Over 1000 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD Over 1B
Industries: Food PackagingBeverage ManufacturingBrokers And Trade AgenciesFood Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: TradeDistribution / WholesaleFarming / Production / Processing / Packing
(Denmark)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-03-24
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Beverage ManufacturingFood Services And Drinking PlacesFood Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleFood ManufacturingRetail
(South Africa)
Latest Export Transaction: 2025-11-22
Recently Export Partner Companies: 2
Industries: Food ManufacturingBrokers And Trade AgenciesBeverage ManufacturingFood Packaging
Value Chain Roles: TradeFood ManufacturingFarming / Production / Processing / Packing
(Israel)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-03-04
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: 51 - 100 Employees
Industries: Food PackagingOthers
Value Chain Roles: OthersDistribution / Wholesale
(South Africa)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-03-04
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Food ManufacturingFood Wholesalers
Value Chain Roles: Food ManufacturingDistribution / Wholesale
Rooibos Tea Global Exporter Coverage
276 companies
Exporter company count is a key signal for Rooibos Tea supply depth and sourcing optionality.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics to narrow Rooibos Tea opportunities by country, product, and value-chain role, then open company profiles to validate fit.
Top Exporting Countries for Rooibos Tea (HS Code 210690) in 2024
For Rooibos Tea in 2024, compare export volume and value across the top 10 supplier countries to map core supply structure.
| Rank | Country | Volume | Value | Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 674,243,494 kg | 6,469,815,386 USD | View → |
| 2 | Germany | 790,367,772.638 kg | 5,761,192,189.411 USD | View → |
| 3 | Netherlands | 782,775,336.186 kg | 4,255,100,444.355 USD | View → |
| 4 | Italy | 342,850,603 kg | 2,308,614,551.513 USD | View → |
| 5 | Poland | 310,101,611.936 kg | 2,065,385,493 USD | View → |
| 6 | United Kingdom | 172,026,138.082 kg | 1,739,697,899.943 USD | View → |
| 7 | Canada | 300,088,143.309 kg | 1,451,164,229.555 USD | View → |
| 8 | Spain | 217,030,586.158 kg | 1,272,971,935.094 USD | View → |
| 9 | Hong Kong | 34,765,689 kg | 1,254,214,635.115 USD | View → |
| 10 | Belgium | 321,269,176.075 kg | 1,154,850,137.918 USD | View → |
Rooibos Tea Export Trade Flow and Partner Country Summary
Track Rooibos Tea exporter-to-importer flows by value, volume, and share to uncover high-potential export routes.
Rooibos Tea Import Buyer Intelligence, Demand Signals, and Price Benchmarks
313 importer companies are mapped for Rooibos Tea demand intelligence. Use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to prioritize buyers, distributors, and downstream demand partners by market.
Rooibos Tea Top Buyers, Importers, and Demand Partners
Review leading buyer profiles and compare them against 313 total importer companies tracked for Rooibos Tea. Exporters and importers can use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to evaluate buyer quality and demand concentration.
(United States)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-03-04
Industries: Food Wholesalers
Value Chain Roles: -
(Sri Lanka)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-03-04
Industries: Brokers And Trade Agencies
Value Chain Roles: China, United Arab Emirates, United States, Australia
(India)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-03-04
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: 11 - 50 Employees
Industries: Food ManufacturingBeverage ManufacturingFood Packaging
Value Chain Roles: -
(India)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-03-04
Employee Size: 51 - 100 Employees
Industries: OthersFood ManufacturingFood Packaging
Value Chain Roles: Sri Lanka, Singapore, Austria, Nepal
(Zambia)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-03-04
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: 11 - 50 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD 1M - 5M
Industries: Food WholesalersBrokers And Trade AgenciesOthers
Value Chain Roles: -
(India)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-02-12
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Food ManufacturingBeverage ManufacturingFood Services And Drinking Places
Value Chain Roles: -
Global Importer Coverage
313 companies
Importer company count highlights the current depth of demand-side visibility for Rooibos Tea.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics and company profiles to identify active Rooibos Tea buyers, compare partner density by country, and refine GTM priorities.
Top Import Demand Countries for Rooibos Tea (HS Code 210690) in 2024
For Rooibos Tea in 2024, compare import volume and value across the top 10 demand countries to identify priority markets.
| Rank | Country | Volume | Value | Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 898,294,665 kg | 6,939,916,965 USD | View → |
| 2 | Germany | 497,582,839.804 kg | 2,788,193,480.488 USD | View → |
| 3 | Netherlands | 443,881,375.327 kg | 2,109,739,474.198 USD | View → |
| 4 | South Korea | 131,912,738.881 kg | 2,069,463,917 USD | View → |
| 5 | Canada | 289,083,525.347 kg | 2,024,840,474.139 USD | View → |
| 6 | Australia | 215,109,345.031 kg | 1,590,088,341.888 USD | View → |
| 7 | Hong Kong | 116,392,590 kg | 1,489,807,508.206 USD | View → |
| 8 | Italy | 193,817,560 kg | 1,153,123,141.034 USD | View → |
| 9 | Philippines | 255,916,999.19 kg | 1,120,565,768 USD | View → |
| 10 | Spain | 212,062,233.467 kg | 1,083,953,538.5 USD | View → |
Rooibos Tea Import Trade Flow and Origin Country Summary
Analyze Rooibos Tea origin-to-destination trade flows by value, volume, and share to monitor demand-side sourcing channels.
Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormDried
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Commodity GroupHerbal tea / botanical infusion
Scientific NameAspalathus linearis
PerishabilityLow (shelf-stable dried botanical when kept dry)
Growing Conditions
- Mediterranean-type climate with seasonal rainfall
- Well-drained, typically sandy and acidic soils associated with fynbos landscapes
- Drought and heat sensitivity that can influence yield and quality
Main VarietiesFermented ("red") rooibos, Unfermented ("green") rooibos
Consumption Forms
- Loose-leaf herbal infusion
- Tea bags and blended herbal tea products
- Ingredient for extracts and ready-to-drink beverage formulations
Grading Factors
- Cut size and uniformity (tea bag vs loose-leaf applications)
- Moisture level and storage stability
- Foreign matter/cleanliness
- Sensory profile (color and aroma consistency)
- Compliance testing for destination-market requirements (e.g., residues, microbiological expectations)
Market
Rooibos (red bush) is a globally traded herbal infusion raw material whose commercial supply is overwhelmingly concentrated in South Africa, where the plant is endemic to the Western Cape and adjacent growing areas. Exports move primarily as bulk, dried plant material (and to a lesser extent as consumer-packed tea), supplying blending, tea-bagging, and branded herbal tea markets. Major import demand is concentrated in the European Union (notably Germany and the Netherlands as a trading and packing hub), alongside established markets such as Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Market dynamics are shaped by single-origin supply concentration, quality/food-safety specifications for dried botanicals, and reputation/labeling protections (including geographic indication recognition in key markets).
Major Producing Countries
- South AfricaCommercial cultivation is concentrated in the Western Cape and nearby regions where rooibos is endemic.
Major Exporting Countries
- South AfricaDominant global exporter; most international supply originates from South Africa.
Major Importing Countries
- GermanyMajor destination for herbal tea blending, packing, and retail.
- NetherlandsEU trade and distribution hub for tea and herbal infusions.
- JapanEstablished premium market for herbal infusions.
- United StatesLarge consumer market for herbal teas and functional-style beverages.
- United KingdomLarge retail market for herbal tea products.
Supply Calendar
- South Africa (Western Cape: Cederberg and surrounding areas):Jan, Feb, Mar, AprHarvest and primary processing are seasonal and can shift with rainfall and heat; export shipments occur year-round from stored dried material.
Specification
Major VarietiesFermented ("red") rooibos, Unfermented ("green") rooibos
Physical Attributes
- Needle-like cut plant material; red-brown color for fermented rooibos and greener hue for unfermented rooibos
- Aromatic profile varies by cut size, fermentation control, and storage conditions
Compositional Metrics
- Naturally caffeine-free botanical infusion; polyphenol profile is a key quality/positioning attribute in finished products
- Buyer specifications commonly reference moisture and foreign matter limits for dried botanicals
Grades
- Commercial sorting commonly differentiates by cut size (fine/medium/coarse) and cleanliness (foreign matter level), aligned to end use (tea bags vs loose-leaf vs extracts)
Packaging
- Bulk export commonly uses multiwall paper sacks or lined bulk bags for dried plant material
- Consumer formats include loose-leaf packs and tea bags (often produced in destination markets from bulk rooibos)
ProcessingFermented rooibos: bruising/maceration followed by controlled oxidation/"fermentation" and dryingGreen rooibos: rapid stabilization and drying to limit oxidation, targeting a greener color and different flavor profile
Supply Chain
Value Chain
- Harvesting (cutting) -> bruising/maceration -> fermentation/oxidation (for red rooibos) or stabilization (for green rooibos) -> drying -> cleaning/sieving -> milling/cut-size standardization -> microbiological reduction step where required -> bulk packing -> export -> blending/packing -> retail/foodservice
Demand Drivers
- Herbal tea consumption and blending demand in the EU, Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom
- Interest in caffeine-free beverage options and product differentiation via origin and certification claims (e.g., organic)
Temperature
- Ambient dry storage is typical; moisture control is critical to prevent quality loss and mold risk during storage and sea freight
Shelf Life
- Dried rooibos is generally shelf-stable for extended periods if kept dry and protected from odor uptake, heat, and light; quality can degrade with poor moisture control or prolonged storage.
Risks
Supply Concentration HighGlobal rooibos supply is heavily concentrated in a single country and a relatively narrow ecological production zone in South Africa, making the market highly exposed to regional droughts, wildfires, and other localized disruptions that can quickly tighten export availability.Use multi-year contracting with contingency inventory, qualify multiple suppliers/processors, and build specifications that allow substitution between fermented (red) and unfermented (green) rooibos where feasible.
Climate MediumHeat and rainfall variability can affect yield and quality attributes (color, flavor, and consistency), increasing year-to-year variability and procurement risk for brands seeking tight sensory profiles.Segment sourcing by growing area and grade, and expand incoming QC for moisture, color, and sensory benchmarks.
Food Safety MediumAs a dried botanical, rooibos can face compliance risk related to contaminants and hygiene expectations (e.g., microbial load, foreign matter, and residue limits), particularly for buyers selling into tightly regulated markets.Implement supplier audits, validated cleaning steps, fit-for-purpose microbial reduction where required, and testing aligned to destination-market requirements.
Regulatory Compliance MediumLabeling and origin protection (including geographic indication recognition in key markets) can create enforcement and reputational risks if non-origin material is marketed as rooibos or if origin claims are misleading.Maintain traceability documentation and verify labeling/marketing claims against applicable GI and food labeling rules in destination markets.
Logistics LowExport logistics depend on South African port performance and container availability; delays can increase storage time and elevate moisture/quality risks if packaging and warehousing are not robust.Use moisture-barrier liners where appropriate, monitor humidity in storage, and build buffer time into replenishment planning.
Sustainability
- Climate vulnerability (heat, drought, and wildfire risk) in the limited endemic production zone in South Africa’s Western Cape region
- Biodiversity and land stewardship considerations in the fynbos biome where rooibos is grown
- Water stewardship and soil health management in a water-stressed production geography
Labor & Social
- Indigenous knowledge and benefit-sharing considerations linked to traditional uses of rooibos and access-and-benefit-sharing frameworks
- Farmworker labor conditions, seasonal work, and occupational health and safety in agricultural harvesting and processing
FAQ
Which country dominates global rooibos production and exports?South Africa dominates both production and exports of rooibos, with commercial supply concentrated in the Western Cape and nearby growing areas where rooibos is endemic.
What is the difference between “red” and “green” rooibos in trade?“Red” rooibos is the fermented/oxidized form produced via bruising and controlled oxidation before drying, while “green” rooibos is stabilized and dried to limit oxidation, resulting in a different color and flavor profile.
What is the single biggest global trade risk for rooibos?The biggest risk is supply concentration: because most global supply comes from a narrow production zone in South Africa, droughts, heat stress, or wildfires in that region can disrupt availability and pricing.
Sources
Rooibos Tea Country Coverage for Suppliers, Export Flows, and Prices
Explore country-level Rooibos Tea market pages for supplier coverage, trade flows, and price benchmarks.
All country market pages: Germany, United States, France, China, Italy, Vietnam, Chile, Poland, United Kingdom, Mexico, Denmark, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Malaysia, Honduras, Japan, Kazakhstan, Ecuador, India, Peru, Turkiye, United Arab Emirates, Romania, Egypt, Russia, Colombia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Singapore, South Korea, Netherlands, Canada, Spain, Thailand, Belgium, Zambia, Australia, Hong Kong, Austria, Saudi Arabia, Czechia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Indonesia, Sweden, Zimbabwe, Brazil, Hungary, Slovakia, Ireland, Israel, Slovenia, Greece, Norway, Lithuania, Paraguay, Bulgaria, South Africa, Croatia, Pakistan, Portugal, Luxembourg, Jordan, Ukraine, Myanmar [Burma], Andorra, Albania, Armenia, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Barbados, Burkina Faso, Bahrain, Burundi, Benin, Bermuda, Brunei, Bolivia, Bahamas, Botswana, Belize, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Cuba, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Iran, Iceland, Jamaica, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Cambodia, Kuwait, Laos, Liechtenstein, Liberia, Lesotho, Latvia, Morocco, Moldova, Montenegro, Madagascar, Macedonia, Mongolia, Macao, Malta, Mauritius, Maldives, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Nicaragua, Nepal, Oman, Panama, Qatar, Serbia, Senegal, El Salvador, Swaziland, Togo, Tunisia, Tanzania, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
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