China Tea Origins: Eastern Belt

Jason Walker of Firsd Tea North America As was seen in previous coverage of China’s green tea and black tea production trends, China is experiencing shifts in the areas where tea is grown and processed. These shifts, in turn, can affect the quantities and characteristics of the teas produced. It also opens the door to new developments in tea styles. These factors will influence the volumes and pricing of Chinese teas exported, and ultimately shape consumer preferences for Chinese teas. China has nine provinces, each producing over 100,000 metric tons of tea, and another four provinces approaching that mark with over 70,000 metric tons. Dividing the top provinces into three “belts” illustrates the developments taking place across the tea-producing regions. A closer inspection of the Eastern Belt will reveal the shifts taking place in its position as a significant tea provider. EASTERN BELT BACKGROUND The three provinces in the Eastern Belt comprise over 140,000 total square miles ...