EU Tea Import and Export Trade Research Report (2024) Released: Mastering the EU Tea Market Dynamics

Summary

The EU Tea Import and Export Trade Research Report (2024), jointly released by the Tea Industry Branch of China Association for the Promotion of International Agricultural Cooperation and the Belt and Road International Tea Trade Industry Science and Technology Innovation Institute, shows that in 2024, EU tea import value reached EUR 583 million, a year-on-year increase of 68.400%; import volume was 119,800 tonnes, up 6.61%; average price was EUR 4.87/kg, up 4.54%. Export value was EUR 265 million, up 8.63%; export volume was 21,800 tonnes, up 9.30%; average price was EUR 12.13/kg, down 0.61%. Black tea was the largest tea category, accounting for 76.44% of import volume and 68.40% of import value, followed by green tea.

Among member states, Germany ranked first in import value with EUR 177 million, while Poland led in export value with EUR 119 million. China was the largest source of tea imports for the EU, accounting for 20.37% of import volume, followed by India, Kenya, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom. The report analyses in depth from four dimensions: tea category structure, member state performance, and trade partner patterns, providing decision-making basis for the industry.

Commentary

The EU tea market data offers valuable reference for New Zealand SMEs. Although New Zealand is not a major tea exporter, its specialties such as dairy products and honey may encounter similar trade pattern changes. The structural share of black and green teas indicates EU consumer preferences; New Zealand companies developing tea-based or functional beverages could adjust product lines accordingly.

As the largest source of imports, China's export growth may squeeze shares from other origins, but rising average import prices in the EU suggest room in the premium segment. Poland and Germany serve as re-export hubs, offering SMEs a potential entry route via local distributors. Attention should be paid to EU organic certification and other access barriers; the report does not mention policy risks, but the trend of trade partner diversification (US, UK, Australia) implies the need to flexibly adapt to different market standards.

It is advisable to monitor Chinese tea companies' competitive strategies while exploring cooperation opportunities with local EU brands.

Keywords: EU, tea, import and export trade, research report, black tea, green tea, China market, Germany, Poland, trade pattern

Source: International Agricultural Cooperation Promotion Association