Loose Leaf Tea thumbnail

Loose Leaf Tea Market Overview 2026

Raw Materials
Dried Tea Leaves
HS Code
090240
Last Updated
2026-05-01
Key takeaways for search and sourcing teams
  • Loose Leaf Tea market coverage spans 147 countries.
  • 1,474 exporter companies and 1,905 importer companies are indexed in the global supply chain intelligence network for this product.
  • 2,929 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 2026-05-01.

Global Supplier Transactions, Export Activity, and Price Benchmarks for Loose Leaf Tea

Analyze 2,929 supplier-linked transactions across the top 20 countries, with monthly unit-price benchmarks to track export competitiveness and sourcing risk for Loose Leaf Tea.

Loose Leaf Tea Country YoY Change in Supplier Transactions and Export Momentum

Compare positive and negative YoY shifts in Loose Leaf Tea to identify accelerating supplier markets and weakening export corridors.
Top YoY shifts for Loose Leaf Tea: United States (+187.3%), China (+177.9%), United Kingdom (+121.7%).

Loose Leaf Tea Country-Level Supplier Transaction and Unit Price Summary

As of 2025-06, benchmark Loose Leaf Tea country transaction counts with monthly unit price and volume to prioritize supplier and export markets.
In 2025-11, countries with visible Loose Leaf Tea transaction unit prices: Singapore (150.79 USD / kg), United Kingdom (57.23 USD / kg), Germany (42.18 USD / kg), Chile (30.41 USD / kg), United States (24.92 USD / kg), 14 more countries.
CountryYoY ChangeTransaction Count2025-062025-072025-082025-092025-102025-112025-122026-012026-022026-032026-042026-05
India-6.0%3793.91 USD / kg (124,073.914 kg)3.04 USD / kg (204,478.253 kg)3.59 USD / kg (155,649.46 kg)6.71 USD / kg (260,654.616 kg)3.63 USD / kg (9,026.99 kg)3.39 USD / kg (110,738.086 kg)
China+177.9%3624.95 USD / kg (66,388.94 kg)2.01 USD / kg (205,521.39 kg)6.59 USD / kg (83,107.69 kg)2.29 USD / kg (222,979.75 kg)2.87 USD / kg (430,411.53 kg)3.19 USD / kg (234,581.33 kg)
United States+187.3%24620.80 USD / kg (5,336.523 kg)17.50 USD / kg (1,095.4 kg)38.41 USD / kg (1,493.452 kg)12.97 USD / kg (11,832.794 kg)11.80 USD / kg (17,183.6 kg)24.92 USD / kg (1,798.17 kg)
Germany+2.5%12322.65 USD / kg (5,533.78 kg)42.50 USD / kg (145 kg)23.86 USD / kg (4,394.69 kg)41.70 USD / kg (880.5 kg)20.84 USD / kg (1,036.53 kg)42.18 USD / kg (2,823.25 kg)
Singapore-2.2%103- (-)72.61 USD / kg (118.2 kg)83.37 USD / kg (81.05 kg)118.50 USD / kg (205.02 kg)210.82 USD / kg (81.6 kg)150.79 USD / kg (136.5 kg)
France+21.1%43123.31 USD / kg (48 kg)25.15 USD / kg (14.82 kg)123.64 USD / kg (12,907.62 kg)5.74 USD / kg (-)92.18 USD / kg (760.33 kg)- (-)
United Kingdom+121.7%14281.38 USD / kg (355.9 kg)41.21 USD / kg (343.75 kg)64.32 USD / kg (291.81 kg)63.29 USD / kg (1,457.45 kg)70.36 USD / kg (579.78 kg)57.23 USD / kg (139.92 kg)
Poland-46.6%71- (-)23.22 USD / kg (2,853.14 kg)- (-)- (-)23.43 USD / kg (12,950.57 kg)6.61 USD / kg (35,100 kg)
Taiwan+57.5%283.12 USD / kg (2,193.6 kg)65.23 USD / kg (1,613.18 kg)7.22 USD / kg (10,091 kg)176.27 USD / kg (218 kg)88.59 USD / kg (220 kg)11.77 USD / kg (8,550 kg)
Kazakhstan-15.5%4623.36 USD / kg (21,246.22 kg)3.18 USD / kg (4,644 kg)3.69 USD / kg (51,765.4 kg)4.01 USD / kg (35,446.18 kg)3.94 USD / kg (35,025.46 kg)3.85 USD / kg (24,179.89 kg)
Loose Leaf Tea Global Supply Chain Coverage
3,379 companies
1,474 exporters and 1,905 importers are mapped for Loose Leaf Tea.
Exporters and importers can use Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to identify counterparties for Loose Leaf Tea, benchmark reach, and prioritize outreach by market.

Loose Leaf Tea Export Supplier Intelligence, Trade Flows, and Price Signals

1,474 exporter companies are mapped in Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence for Loose Leaf Tea. Exporters and importers can use company profiles and analytics to evaluate supplier coverage, trading activity, and route opportunities.

Loose Leaf Tea Top Exporters and Supplier Profiles

Review leading exporter profiles while benchmarking against 1,474 total exporter companies in the Loose Leaf Tea supply chain intelligence network. Exporters and importers can unlock company profiles and analytics to qualify partners faster.
(United Arab Emirates)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-03-30
Industries: OthersFreight Forwarding And Intermodal
Value Chain Roles: OthersDistribution / WholesaleLogistics
(Sri Lanka)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-01-23
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Fishing AquacultureFreight Forwarding And IntermodalOthersCrop Production
Value Chain Roles: TradeLogisticsFarming / Production / Processing / PackingDistribution / Wholesale
(Ecuador)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-03-30
Employee Size: 1 - 10 Employees
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: Retail
(Brazil)
Latest Export Transaction: 2025-09-15
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Crop ProductionFood Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: TradeFarming / Production / Processing / Packing
(South Africa)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-03-30
Employee Size: 51 - 100 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD 50M - 100M
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / Wholesale
(Greece)
Latest Export Transaction: 2025-08-10
Employee Size: 1 - 10 Employees
Industries: Food Wholesalers
Value Chain Roles: TradeDistribution / Wholesale
Loose Leaf Tea Global Exporter Coverage
1,474 companies
Exporter company count is a key signal for Loose Leaf Tea supply depth and sourcing optionality.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics to narrow Loose Leaf Tea opportunities by country, product, and value-chain role, then open company profiles to validate fit.

Top Exporting Countries for Loose Leaf Tea (HS Code 090240) in 2024

For Loose Leaf Tea in 2024, compare export volume and value across the top 10 supplier countries to map core supply structure.
RankCountryVolumeValue
1Sri Lanka137,407,611.065 kg674,133,708.859 USD
2India221,323,049.765 kg666,913,530.264 USD
3Argentina56,129,704 kg63,424,363.6 USD
4Germany7,937,504.748 kg56,798,171.163 USD
5Switzerland6,670,664.505 kg22,636,040.215 USD
6South Korea2,652,435.063 kg13,759,242 USD
7Zimbabwe10,180,314 kg13,561,625.028 USD
8Netherlands2,584,373 kg10,475,034.556 USD
9Poland1,528,265.904 kg9,510,030 USD
10United States2,007,751 kg8,436,815 USD

Loose Leaf Tea Export Trade Flow and Partner Country Summary

Track Loose Leaf Tea exporter-to-importer flows by value, volume, and share to uncover high-potential export routes.

Loose Leaf Tea Import Buyer Intelligence, Demand Signals, and Price Benchmarks

1,905 importer companies are mapped for Loose Leaf Tea demand intelligence. Use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to prioritize buyers, distributors, and downstream demand partners by market.

Loose Leaf Tea Top Buyers, Importers, and Demand Partners

Review leading buyer profiles and compare them against 1,905 total importer companies tracked for Loose Leaf 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: 2026-02-20
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Food WholesalersBeverage Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: -
(Zambia)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-03-30
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: -
(Greece)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-03-30
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: OthersOnline Retail And FulfillmentFood Wholesalers
Value Chain Roles: -
(Maldives)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-03-30
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Food Wholesalers
Value Chain Roles: -
(Vietnam)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-03-30
Industries: Brokers And Trade AgenciesFood WholesalersOthers
Value Chain Roles: -
(Moldova)
Latest Import Transaction: 2025-07-10
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: 101 - 500 Employees
Industries: OthersFood Wholesalers
Value Chain Roles: -
Global Importer Coverage
1,905 companies
Importer company count highlights the current depth of demand-side visibility for Loose Leaf Tea.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics and company profiles to identify active Loose Leaf Tea buyers, compare partner density by country, and refine GTM priorities.

Top Import Demand Countries for Loose Leaf Tea (HS Code 090240) in 2024

For Loose Leaf Tea in 2024, compare import volume and value across the top 10 demand countries to identify priority markets.
RankCountryVolumeValue
1Pakistan235,769,695 kg618,534,770.796 USD
2Egypt77,552,871.526 kg255,892,844.286 USD
3United States85,539,771 kg183,304,501 USD
4Japan20,356,859 kg88,935,590.619 USD
5Poland34,711,433.614 kg76,052,721 USD
6India43,311,378 kg75,680,308.346 USD
7Germany17,206,504.965 kg64,470,119.582 USD
8Azerbaijan11,835,234.438 kg61,032,843.86 USD
9Malaysia26,317,144.137 kg43,892,764.444 USD
10Hong Kong4,856,842 kg36,662,978.117 USD

Loose Leaf Tea Import Trade Flow and Origin Country Summary

Analyze Loose Leaf Tea origin-to-destination trade flows by value, volume, and share to monitor demand-side sourcing channels.

Classification

Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormDried (Loose Leaf)
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product

Raw Material

Commodity GroupBeverage crop (tea)
Scientific NameCamellia sinensis
PerishabilityLow (as a dried product) but quality is sensitive to moisture, heat, light, and odor exposure.
Growing Conditions
  • Humid subtropical to tropical highland environments with adequate rainfall or managed water supply
  • Well-drained acidic soils; erosion control is important on slopes common to tea landscapes
  • Temperature and rainfall patterns strongly influence flush timing, yield, and cup quality
Main VarietiesCamellia sinensis var. sinensis, Camellia sinensis var. assamica
Consumption Forms
  • Brewed hot tea
  • Iced tea infusions
  • Blending component for branded teas
  • Extracted for beverage and flavor applications (where applicable)
Grading Factors
  • Leaf style and grade (whole leaf vs broken/fannings/dust; orthodox vs CTC)
  • Cup quality and consistency (aroma, liquor color, body, briskness)
  • Moisture and physical cleanliness (foreign matter control)
  • Food safety compliance (notably pesticide residues and selected contaminants) and traceability
  • Origin and processing style authenticity for specialty segments
Planting to HarvestTypically several years from planting to first commercial plucking, with productive lifespan extending for decades under good management.

Market

Loose-leaf tea is a globally traded dried agricultural product derived primarily from Camellia sinensis, with production concentrated in Asia and parts of Africa. China and India anchor global production, while Kenya and Sri Lanka are especially prominent in export-oriented supply; Viet Nam and Indonesia also contribute meaningfully to international flows. Major import markets include the Russian Federation and Pakistan for bulk black tea, alongside the United States, the United Kingdom, and Middle East trading hubs such as the United Arab Emirates for a mix of bulk and specialty segments. Market dynamics are shaped by origin differentiation (terroir and processing style), auction and direct-trade channels, and increasing buyer scrutiny of residues, traceability, and labor conditions.
Market GrowthMixed (medium-term outlook)premiumization and specialty loose-leaf expansion alongside mature bulk black-tea demand in several traditional markets
Major Producing Countries
  • ChinaAmong the largest global tea producers; major supplier across green and specialty teas (see FAOSTAT; ITC Trade Map).
  • IndiaAmong the largest global tea producers; large domestic consumption alongside exports (see FAOSTAT; ITC Trade Map).
  • KenyaMajor black-tea producer with a strong export orientation (see FAOSTAT; ITC Trade Map).
  • Sri LankaMajor tea producer and exporter known for orthodox black teas (see FAOSTAT; ITC Trade Map).
  • TurkiyeSignificant producer with strong domestic consumption; trade position varies by year (see FAOSTAT; UN Comtrade).
  • VietnamImportant producer and exporter across black/green categories (see FAOSTAT; ITC Trade Map).
  • IndonesiaNotable producer with exports to regional and global markets (see FAOSTAT; UN Comtrade).
Major Exporting Countries
  • KenyaOne of the most export-oriented origins in global tea trade (see ITC Trade Map; UN Comtrade).
  • Sri LankaMajor exporter; strong presence in orthodox black tea and value-added packing (see ITC Trade Map; International Tea Committee).
  • ChinaKey exporter spanning green tea and specialty loose-leaf segments (see ITC Trade Map; UN Comtrade).
  • IndiaMajor exporter alongside large domestic market; exports include orthodox and CTC styles (see ITC Trade Map; International Tea Committee).
  • VietnamSignificant exporter across black/green categories to diverse destinations (see ITC Trade Map; UN Comtrade).
Major Importing Countries
  • RussiaLarge import market for tea, supplied by multiple exporting origins (see ITC Trade Map; UN Comtrade).
  • PakistanLarge import market for black tea (see ITC Trade Map; UN Comtrade).
  • United StatesMajor import market with demand spanning specialty loose-leaf and packaged teas (see ITC Trade Map; UN Comtrade).
  • United KingdomImportant import and blending/brand-market with re-export links (see ITC Trade Map; UN Comtrade).
  • United Arab EmiratesA notable import, re-export, and distribution hub serving regional markets (see ITC Trade Map; UN Comtrade).
Supply Calendar
  • China:Mar, Apr, MaySpring harvest window is especially important for many green and specialty teas; timing varies by region and altitude (see industry guidance and origin references).
  • India (Assam / Darjeeling and other regions):Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, NovMultiple flushes across regions; seasonality is monsoon- and altitude-driven (see Tea Board of India).
  • Kenya:Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, DecNear year-round plucking in many growing zones; volumes and quality vary with rainfall patterns (see Kenya tea sector references).
  • Sri Lanka:Jan, Feb, Mar, Jul, Aug, SepTwo major seasonal quality peaks are often discussed for key regions; exact timing varies by district and monsoon (see Sri Lanka Tea Board).

Specification

Major VarietiesBlack tea (orthodox), Black tea (CTC), Green tea, Oolong tea, White tea, Post-fermented tea (Pu'er and related styles)
Physical Attributes
  • Leaf style and integrity (whole leaf, broken leaf, fannings, dust) influence infusion strength and price positioning
  • Dry leaf appearance and infused liquor color are core sensory acceptance checks
  • Aroma profile and freedom from taints (smoke, musty/warehouse odors) are critical for buyer approval
  • Freedom from foreign matter is a baseline quality requirement for export trade
Compositional Metrics
  • Moisture content is monitored to reduce mold risk and preserve shelf stability
  • Water extract and ash metrics are commonly referenced in quality specifications for tea categories
  • Caffeine and polyphenol/catechin profiles are relevant for certain green/specialty positioning and authenticity checks
  • Food safety testing commonly includes pesticide residues and selected contaminants aligned to destination-market requirements
Grades
  • Orthodox leaf-grade conventions (e.g., OP, BOP, FBOP, fannings, dust) are used in many origin and auction systems
  • CTC grade conventions (e.g., BP, PF, PD and dust variants) are common for blending and strong-liquor profiles
  • Cup tasting (liquor, briskness, body, aroma) and lot consistency are central to contracting, especially for blending programs
Packaging
  • Bulk export packaging often uses lined multiwall paper sacks, tea chests, or equivalent moisture/odor barrier systems
  • Specialty loose-leaf products commonly use high-barrier pouches or tins with inner liners to protect aroma
  • Premium formats may use vacuum or inert-gas (e.g., nitrogen) flushing for aroma retention
ProcessingTea is hygroscopic and readily absorbs moisture and odors; humidity control and odor-free storage are critical across the chainAroma and freshness are sensitive to oxygen, light, and heat; barrier packaging and controlled warehousing protect valueGreen and white teas are generally more freshness-sensitive than many black teas, increasing handling and storage discipline needs

Supply Chain

Value Chain
  • Plucking (fresh leaf) -> transport to factory -> withering -> rolling/maceration -> oxidation (black tea) or fixation (green tea) -> drying/firing -> sorting/grading -> blending -> packing -> export logistics -> importer blending/packing (where applicable) -> retail/foodservice
Demand Drivers
  • High baseline consumption in South Asia, East Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Europe supports large-volume trade
  • Growth in specialty and single-origin loose-leaf segments driven by provenance, sensory differentiation, and gifting
  • Health and wellness positioning for unsweetened beverages and tea polyphenols supports some premium segments
  • Foodservice, hospitality, and e-commerce channels support premium loose-leaf assortment expansion in many import markets
Temperature
  • Ambient shipping is typical for dried tea; protection from heat spikes and direct sunlight helps preserve aroma
  • Moisture control (dry containers, liners, desiccants, and sealed packaging) is often more critical than refrigeration
Atmosphere Control
  • Inert-gas flushing or vacuum packaging is used for aroma retention in premium loose-leaf teas
  • Barrier liners and sealed secondary packaging reduce oxygen and moisture ingress during long-distance transport
Shelf Life
  • Shelf life is strongly tied to aroma retention and moisture exposure; humidity or odor contamination can rapidly downgrade quality
  • Properly sealed, cool, dry, odor-free storage supports extended shelf stability for dried tea, with freshness-sensitive styles degrading faster

Risks

Climate HighTea is highly sensitive to rainfall patterns and temperature ranges; climate variability and extreme weather in key producing regions can disrupt fresh-leaf supply, shift seasonality, and alter cup quality, driving volatility in both bulk and specialty trade.Diversify origin sourcing, strengthen climate-risk monitoring by region/season, and prioritize suppliers investing in resilient agronomy (shade management, soil health, irrigation where appropriate, and climate-tolerant cultivars).
Food Safety MediumResidues and contaminants (notably pesticide residues aligned to destination-market maximum residue limits) can trigger rejections, recalls, or loss of preferred-supplier status, especially for premium loose-leaf channels that demand stringent compliance.Implement residue risk programs (approved agrochemical lists, pre-harvest intervals, supplier audits) and test lots to destination-market specifications with strong traceability.
Regulatory Compliance MediumDiffering national requirements (residue limits, labeling, contaminant monitoring, and due-diligence expectations) can create market-access risk for exporters, particularly where documentation and traceability are weak.Maintain market-specific compliance matrices, invest in traceability systems, and align QA/QC documentation to importer and regulatory expectations.
Labor And Human Rights MediumTea has longstanding labor-rights scrutiny in parts of the plantation economy, including concerns about wages, housing, and worker protections; failures can lead to buyer delisting and reputational risk, especially for branded and specialty importers.Use credible social compliance programs, worker voice mechanisms, and remediation plans; prioritize transparent suppliers and verify progress via audits and third-party initiatives.
Logistics MediumMoisture ingress, odor contamination, and improper warehousing during transit can degrade aroma and grade, causing disputes and value loss even when the product remains safe to consume.Use moisture/odor barrier packaging, desiccants and liners where appropriate, and enforce clean-container and warehouse hygiene controls end-to-end.
Sustainability
  • Climate resilience in tea landscapes (temperature and rainfall shifts affecting yields and cup quality)
  • Agrochemical management (pesticides and fertilizers) and downstream water quality impacts in intensive production zones
  • Land-use change and biodiversity impacts where tea expansion or associated infrastructure pressures adjacent habitats
Labor & Social
  • Living wage and working conditions for plantation and smallholder-linked labor in tea supply chains
  • Worker representation and freedom of association concerns in some estate contexts
  • Gender equity, occupational health, and safe handling practices in plucking and factory operations

FAQ

Which countries are the main global tea producers and exporters for loose-leaf tea?FAO FAOSTAT and trade datasets summarized in ITC Trade Map and UN Comtrade commonly show China and India as leading producers, with Kenya and Sri Lanka standing out as major export-oriented origins. Viet Nam, Indonesia, and Türkiye also feature as significant producers and/or trading participants depending on the metric and year.
What are the main types of loose-leaf tea traded internationally?Loose-leaf trade spans processing styles including black tea (orthodox and CTC), green tea, oolong tea, white tea, and post-fermented teas such as Pu'er and related styles. These categories differ in oxidation and drying approaches, which drives distinct flavor profiles, buyer specifications, and typical end-market uses.
What quality and compliance checks are most common in international loose-leaf tea trade?Common checks include moisture control to protect shelf stability, sensory evaluation (aroma and liquor), freedom from foreign matter, and food-safety testing aligned to destination-market rules—especially pesticide residue compliance. ISO tea standards and Codex Alimentarius food standards are frequently referenced as benchmarks, while importers often add market-specific laboratory and traceability requirements.

Loose Leaf Tea Country Coverage for Suppliers, Export Flows, and Prices

Explore country-level Loose Leaf Tea market pages for supplier coverage, trade flows, and price benchmarks.
All country market pages: Sri Lanka, Russia, Kenya, Pakistan, India, United States, China, United Kingdom, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, United Arab Emirates, Turkiye, Germany, Singapore, Iraq, South Africa, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, Peru, Ireland, Chile, Netherlands, France, Kazakhstan, Poland, Kuwait, Italy, Uganda, Jordan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Malawi, Sweden, Ukraine, Morocco, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Qatar, Canada, Austria, Nepal, Belgium, Switzerland, South Korea, Czechia, Mexico, Argentina, New Zealand, Ivory Coast, Portugal, Syria, Taiwan, Zimbabwe, Brazil, Uzbekistan, Iran, Afghanistan, Thailand, Azerbaijan, Denmark, Oman, Tajikistan, Albania, Spain, Philippines, Jamaica, Latvia, Bangladesh, Armenia, Angola, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Barbados, Burkina Faso, Bulgaria, Bahrain, Burundi, Benin, Bermuda, Brunei, Bolivia, Bahamas, Bhutan, Botswana, Belarus, Belize, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Croatia, Hungary, Israel, Iceland, Kyrgyzstan, Cambodia, Laos, Liberia, Lesotho, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Montenegro, Madagascar, Macedonia, Myanmar [Burma], Mongolia, Macao, Malta, Mauritius, Maldives, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Romania, Serbia, Sudan, Slovenia, Slovakia, Senegal, Suriname, El Salvador, Swaziland, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Venezuela, Zambia

Related Loose Leaf Tea Product Categories

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Raw materials: Dried Tea Leaves
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