FAO – Changes in the Global Tea Trade Network, 2024

The document outlines the changes in global tea trade patterns from 2005 to 2020, showing an increase in the number of countries trading tea with multiple partners. The export side of the tea trade network has become more decentralized, with trade less concentrated in individual hubs. Factors such as population growth, rising incomes in low- and middle-income countries, lower import tariffs, and changes in consumer preferences have contributed to the expansion of trade. This trend is expected to continue in the next decade, presenting opportunities for the industry. The group is advised to take note of the findings on the evolution of the global tea trade network, discuss the factors driving the increase in trade links and their implications for the industry, analyze the emergence of large tea re-exporting hubs, and provide guidance on what factors will influence the growth of tea trade in the future.