- By Aditi Priya Singh
- Wed, 21 May 2025 12:46 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Top 10 Tea Producing Countries: International Tea Day, celebrated annually on May 21, honours the cultural and economic significance of tea worldwide. As one of the most consumed beverages globally, tea plays a vital role in the economies of numerous countries. China always leads as the top tea producer, followed by India, Kenya and Sri Lanka. India, producing approximately 1.3 million metric tons annually, that is more than 1300 million kg, is renowned for its diverse teas like Assam, Darjeeling and Nilgiri. These regions offer unique flavours, contributing to India's esteemed position in the global tea market. Let us tell you India ranks second in the world for tea production.
This day acknowledges the efforts of tea growers, producers, and workers that make the tea which is consumed worldwide. It promotes the importance of sustainable practices and fair trade while raising awareness for the unique role tea plays in people's daily lives! Whether you're a fan of green tea, black tea or herbal tea, there is a type of tea for everyone! Cheers to a good cup of tea!
Top 10 Biggest Tea Producing Countries In The World
Let’s take a look at the list of top 10 tea producing countries and check the types of tea, reasons of the huge cultivation and more.
| Rank | Country | Annual Production in Kg (2024) | Annual production in tons (2024) | Source |
| 1. | China | 2400 million kg | 2.4 million tons | Stastista |
| 2. | India | 1382 million kg | 1.3 million Tons | IBEF |
| 3. | Kenya | 598.47 million Kg | 598,470 tons | Tea Board of Kenya |
| 4. | Sri Lanka | 262.16 million kg | 262,160 tons | Tea Exporters Association of Sri Lanka |
| 5. | Vietnam | 185 million kg | 185,000 tons | B&company vietnam |
| 6. | Turkey | 175 million kg | 175,000 tons | tea. coffee.net |
| 7. | Indonesia | 124.2 million kg | 124,200 tons | Statista |
| 8. | Japan | 89 million kg | 89,000 tons | Japanese Tea Association |
| 9. | Iran | 85 million kg | 84,000 tons | - |
| 10. | Argentina | 70 million kg | 70,000 tons | Eximpedia |
Source: The ranking data is taken from the World Atlas. The annual production data is taken from the official data sites.
1. China – 2.4 Million Tons
China is the world's largest producer of tea and has a wide variety of tea types to offer, including green, black, oolong, white and pu-erh teas. China has famous varieties, Longjing (or Dragon Well) and Da Hong Pao, among many others, grown in China. Given China's enormous and variable climate, along with tea cultivation practices that have been used for centuries, it is no surprise that China is capable of maintaining its extensive and diverse tea industry.
2. India – 1.3 Million Tons
India, the world's second-largest tea producer, is known for its strong black teas that are grown in places like Assam, Darjeeling and Nilgiri. From the tropical plains of Assam to the cool Himalayan foothills of Darjeeling, the country's diverse climates provide ideal conditions for various tea types. India has a large domestic market with a rich cultural tradition of tea that drives production in the remaining Northeast. India's most well-known teas still come from the northeast and West Bengal
3. Kenya – 598.47 Million Kg
Kenya specialises in strong black teas manufactured similarly to Assam teas using the CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) method. High-altitude regions like Kericho, as well as the Nandi Hills, have optimal climates for tea. Moreover, whereas most tea-producing countries are heavily influenced by large plantations, Kenya's tea is predominantly produced by smallholders with good production methods in mind, helping them produce output at the level of plantations.
4. Sri Lanka – 262.16 Million Kg
Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is famous for its Ceylon tea, which includes black, green and white varieties. The regions of Nuwara Eliya and Uva produce unique teas that are influenced by their altitude and climate. Sri Lanka constantly strives for quality and the traditional hand-plucking technique, which is why Ceylon tea has such worldwide acclaim.
5. Vietnam – 185 Million Kg
Vietnam is known for growing green tea, black tea and scented teas, such as lotus and jasmine tea. Good quality green tea comes from the north, such as from Thái Nguyên province. Vietnam has a great climate with investment in its tea processing industry, also Taiwan tea production has increased along with the demand for their tea as well.
6. Turkey – 175 Million Kg
Turkey's tea production is concentrated in the Rize province along the Black Sea coast. The region has a humid climate with fertile soil that is ideal for cultivating black tea, a Turkish staple. Turkey's strong domestic consumption supports its large-scale production.
7. Indonesia – 124.2 Million Kg
Indonesia produces both black and green teas, largely located in Java and Sumatra. Volcanic soil and a tropical climate provide the optimal conditions for the cultivation of tea. The tea industry utilises both traditional methods and modern ways of processing.
8. Japan – 89 Million Kg
Japan is famous for its green teas, including sencha, matcha and gyokuro, with Shizuoka and Uji being the top tea-growing regions. Japan emphasises quality and precision concerning how the tea tree is cultivated. Japan also has unique ways of processing the tea.
9. Iran – 85 Million Kg
Iran's tea production is centred in the northern provinces of Gilan and Mazandaran. The country's moderate climate and ample rainfall create suitable conditions for black tea cultivation. Tea is an integral part of Iranian culture, supporting steady domestic demand.
10. Argentina – 70 Million Kg
Argentina primarily produces black tea in the northeastern province of Misiones. The region's subtropical climate and abundant rainfall are conducive to tea farming. Argentina's tea industry focuses on exports, supplying markets in the United States and Europe.