Report Update Feb 1, 2025

South Africa - Tea - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights

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South Africa: Tea Market 2025

Tea Market Size in South Africa

In 2022, the South African tea market decreased by -7.8% to $X, falling for the second consecutive year after two years of growth. Overall, consumption recorded a slight shrinkage. Tea consumption peaked at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Tea Exports

Exports from South Africa

Tea exports from South Africa reduced to X tons in 2022, with a decrease of -10.5% against 2021 figures. Overall, exports continue to indicate a noticeable curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when exports increased by 51%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, tea exports reached $X in 2022. In general, exports showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when exports increased by 39%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Botswana (X tons), Namibia (X tons) and Mozambique (X tons) were the main destinations of tea exports from South Africa, with a combined 54% share of total exports. Lesotho, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Japan and Zambia lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 34%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Japan (with a CAGR of +44.0%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

In value terms, the largest markets for tea exported from South Africa were Botswana ($X), Mozambique ($X) and Namibia ($X), with a combined 54% share of total exports. Swaziland, Japan, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Zambia lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 35%.

Among the main countries of destination, Japan, with a CAGR of +46.4%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average tea export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, growing by 13% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +3.5%. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when the average export price increased by 17%. The export price peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Japan ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Zimbabwe ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Botswana (+5.1%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Tea Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2022, tea imports into South Africa shrank to X tons, declining by -10.3% on 2021 figures. In general, imports recorded a slight curtailment. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 with an increase of 8.5%. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2017 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, tea imports dropped to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports saw a pronounced decrease. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 14%. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. From 2014 to 2022, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

Malawi (X tons), Zimbabwe (X tons) and Tanzania (X tons) were the main suppliers of tea imports to South Africa, together accounting for 85% of total imports. Sri Lanka, China and Kenya lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 13%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by China (with a CAGR of +11.9%), while imports for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

In value terms, Malawi ($X) constituted the largest supplier of tea to South Africa, comprising 38% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Zimbabwe ($X), with a 19% share of total imports. It was followed by Sri Lanka, with a 16% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from Malawi totaled -4.9%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Zimbabwe (+3.3% per year) and Sri Lanka (-2.7% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average tea import price amounted to $X per ton, growing by 2.9% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, continues to indicate a slight slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 an increase of 6.9%. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2014 to 2022, the average import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Sri Lanka ($X per ton), while the price for Zimbabwe ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Sri Lanka (+0.3%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :

What are the largest markets for tea in the world?

The country with the largest volume of tea consumption was China, comprising approx. 40% of total volume. Moreover, tea consumption in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest consumer, India, twofold. The third position in this ranking was occupied by Turkey, with a 4% share.

What are the largest producers of tea in the world?

The country with the largest volume of tea production was China, comprising approx. 43% of total volume. Moreover, tea production in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, India, twofold. The third position in this ranking was occupied by Kenya, with an 8% share.

What are the leading suppliers of tea to South Africa?

In value terms, Malawi constituted the largest supplier of tea to South Africa, comprising 44% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Sri Lanka, with a 17% share of total imports. It was followed by Zimbabwe, with a 14% share.

What are the leading importers of tea from South Africa?

In value terms, the largest markets for tea exported from South Africa were Botswana, Namibia and Mozambique, with a combined 60% share of total exports. Swaziland, Lesotho, Zambia and Zimbabwe lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 32%.

What is the average export price for tea in South Africa?

In 2020, the average tea export price amounted to $4,246 per ton, stabilizing at the previous year.

What is the average import price for tea in South Africa?

In 2020, the average tea import price amounted to $1,722 per ton, shrinking by -7.7% against the previous year.

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the tea market in South Africa. Within it, you will discover the latest data on market trends and opportunities by country, consumption, production and price developments, as well as the global trade (imports and exports). The forecast exhibits the market prospects through 2030.

Product coverage:

FCL 667 - Tea

Country coverage:

South Africa

Data coverage:

Market volume and value
Per Capita consumption
Forecast of the market dynamics in the medium term
Trade (exports and imports) in South Africa
Export and import prices
Market trends, drivers and restraints
Key market players and their profiles

Reasons to buy this report:

Take advantage of the latest data
Find deeper insights into current market developments
Discover vital success factors affecting the market

This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, and wholesalers, as well as for investors, consultants and advisors.

In this report, you can find information that helps you to make informed decisions on the following issues:

How to diversify your business and benefit from new market opportunities
How to load your idle production capacity
How to boost your sales on overseas markets
How to increase your profit margins
How to make your supply chain more sustainable
How to reduce your production and supply chain costs
How to outsource production to other countries
How to prepare your business for global expansion

While doing this research, we combine the accumulated expertise of our analysts and the capabilities of artificial intelligence. The AI-based platform, developed by our data scientists, constitutes the key working tool for business analysts, empowering them to discover deep insights and ideas from the marketing data.

1. INTRODUCTION

Making Data-Driven Decisions to Grow Your Business
1. REPORT DESCRIPTION
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND AI PLATFORM
3. DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
4. GLOSSARY AND SPECIFIC TERMS
2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

A Quick Overview of Market Performance
1. KEY FINDINGS
2. MARKET TRENDS This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
3. MARKET OVERVIEW

Understanding the Current State of The Market and Its Prospects
1. MARKET SIZE
2. MARKET STRUCTURE
3. TRADE BALANCE
4. PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION
5. MARKET FORECAST TO 2030
4. MOST PROMISING PRODUCT

Finding New Products to Diversify Your Business
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
1. TOP PRODUCTS TO DIVERSIFY YOUR BUSINESS
2. BEST-SELLING PRODUCTS
3. MOST CONSUMED PRODUCT
4. MOST TRADED PRODUCT
5. MOST PROFITABLE PRODUCT FOR EXPORT
5. MOST PROMISING SUPPLYING COUNTRIES

Choosing the Best Countries to Establish Your Sustainable Supply Chain
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
1. TOP COUNTRIES TO SOURCE YOUR PRODUCT
2. TOP PRODUCING COUNTRIES
3. COUNTRIES WITH TOP YIELDS
4. TOP EXPORTING COUNTRIES
5. LOW-COST EXPORTING COUNTRIES
6. MOST PROMISING OVERSEAS MARKETS

Choosing the Best Countries to Boost Your Exports
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
1. TOP OVERSEAS MARKETS FOR EXPORTING YOUR PRODUCT
2. TOP CONSUMING MARKETS
3. UNSATURATED MARKETS
4. TOP IMPORTING MARKETS
5. MOST PROFITABLE MARKETS
7. PRODUCTION

The Latest Trends and Insights into The Industry
1. PRODUCTION, HARVESTED AREA AND YIELD
8. IMPORTS
The Largest Import Supplying Countries
1. IMPORTS FROM 2012–2024
2. IMPORTS BY COUNTRY
3. IMPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY
9. EXPORTS
The Largest Destinations for Exports
1. EXPORTS FROM 2012–2024
2. EXPORTS BY COUNTRY
3. EXPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY
10. PROFILES OF MAJOR PRODUCERS

The Largest Producers on The Market and Their Profiles
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
LIST OF TABLES
1. Key Findings In 2024
2. Market Volume, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
3. Market Value, 2012–2024
4. Per Capita Consumption In 2012-2024
5. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
6. Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
7. Import Prices, By Country Of Origin, 2012–2024
8. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
9. Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
10. Export Prices, By Country Of Destination, 2012–2024
LIST OF FIGURES
1. Market Volume, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
2. Market Value, 2012–2024
3. Market Structure – Domestic Supply vs. Imports, In Physical Terms, 2012-2024
4. Market Structure – Domestic Supply vs. Imports, In Value Terms, 2012-2024
5. Trade Balance, In Physical Terms, 2012-2024
6. Trade Balance, In Value Terms, 2012-2024
7. Per Capita Consumption, 2012-2024
8. Market Volume Forecast to 2030
9. Market Value Forecast to 2030
10. Products: Market Size And Growth, By Type
11. Products: Average Per Capita Consumption, By Type
12. Products: Exports And Growth, By Type
13. Products: Export Prices And Growth, By Type
14. Production Volume And Growth
15. Yield And Growth
16. Exports And Growth
17. Export Prices And Growth
18. Market Size And Growth
19. Per Capita Consumption
20. Imports And Growth
21. Import Prices
22. Production, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
23. Production, In Value Terms, 2012–2024
24. Area Harvested, 2012–2024
25. Yield, 2012–2024
26. Imports, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
27. Imports, In Value Terms, 2012–2024
28. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2024
29. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
30. Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
31. Import Prices, By Country Of Origin, 2012–2024
32. Exports, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
33. Exports, In Value Terms, 2012–2024
34. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2024
35. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
36. Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
37. Export Prices, By Country Of Destination, 2012–2024