Top-10 Tea Producing Countries in the World 2024

Tea, with its soothing aroma and diverse flavors, holds a cherished place in cultures around the globe. As of 2024, tea production continues to be a significant agricultural endeavor, contributing to both local economies and global trade. Here, we explore the top 10 tea-producing countries, highlighting their contributions to the world’s tea supply chain and their impact on the industry.

Largest Tea Producer in the World 2024

China reigns supreme as the largest tea producer globally, boasting a rich tea culture and a reputation for producing top-quality tea leaves. With its tea production accounting for a substantial 40% of the world’s total, China’s output reaches an impressive 2.4 million tonnes annually.

The heartland of China’s tea production lies in the Yunnan district, along with the provinces of Guangdong and Zhejiang, where ideal growing conditions and centuries-old cultivation techniques converge to yield exceptional teas. In addition to its unrivaled production volume, China also stands out for the outstanding quality of its teas.

Renowned for its diverse tea varieties, China offers an array of prized teas celebrated worldwide. Notable among these are the smoky Lapsang Souchong, the robust Keemun, and the delicate Green Gunpowder, each representing a unique flavor profile and reflecting China’s mastery of the art of tea cultivation and processing.

Top-10 Largest Tea Producing Countries in the World By April 2024

China with the total tea production of 2,400,000 tonnes, holds the title of the largest tea producer in the world 2024, followed by India, Kenya, Sri Lanka and Turkey.

Here is the list of top-10 tea producing countries in the world 2024:

Top-10 Tea Producing Countries in the World 2024
Rank	Country	Tea Production (in tonnes)
1.	China	2,400,000
2.	India	900,000
3.	Kenya	305,000
4.	Sri Lanka	300,000
5.	Turkey	175,000
6.	Indonesia	157,000
7.	Vietnam	117,000
8.	Japan	89,000
9.	Iran	84,000
10.	Argentina	70,000

Largest Tea Producer in the World – China

Tea Production: 2,400,000 tonnes

China, the birthplace of tea, leads the world in tea production. Its diverse range of teas, including green, white, oolong, and pu-erh, astounds tea enthusiasts globally. China’s tea culture is rich and multifaceted, with regions like Fujian and Yunnan celebrated for their high-quality offerings. With its centuries-old traditions and unparalleled expertise, China remains at the forefront of the global tea industry.

World’s Second Largest Tea Producer – India

Tea Production: 900,000 tonnes

India stands as a formidable force in the global tea industry, ranking as the second-largest tea producer worldwide. Renowned for its diverse array of teas, including the iconic Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri varieties, India captivates tea enthusiasts with its distinct regional flavors. Each tea-producing region boasts unique characteristics, from Assam’s robust and malty brews to Darjeeling’s delicate and aromatic profiles. India’s signature spiced milk tea, chai, has transcended borders to gain widespread acclaim on the international stage, further solidifying India’s prominence in the global tea market.

Third Largest Tea Producer in the World – Kenya

Tea Producer: 305,000 tonnes

Kenya emerges as a significant player in Africa’s tea landscape, ranking as the third-largest tea producer globally. Renowned for its bold and brisk black teas, Kenya’s tea industry thrives in high-altitude regions such as the Rift Valley. The country’s innovative approach is evident in its pioneering development of “CTC” (Crush, Tear, Curl) methods, which yield teas well-suited for blending and teabag production. Kenya’s expertise in tea cultivation and processing cements its position as a key contributor to the global tea market.