Tea Insights – Kenya Tea Market Data for Importers
Explore Kenya’s Tea Export Trends in 2024
In 2024, Kenya exported 594.5 million kilograms of tea, generating revenue of Kshs 181.69 billion (~USD 1.35 billion). This represents a 14% increase in volume compared to 2023, underscoring Kenya's leading position as the world's largest exporter of black tea.
Whether you are a tea importer, distributor, or tea powder manufacturer, this guide provides you with updated export data, key market shifts, pricing insights, and actionable sourcing opportunities for 2025.
Key Kenya Tea Export Statistics (2024)
HS4 09.02: Internationally classified code covering all Kenyan tea exports, including black, green, specialty blends, and flavoured teas.
Total Kenyan Tea Export Vol:
(594.50M Kgs) | 594,500 MTonnes
Top 3 Leading Buyers: (Kgs)
Pakistan: 206.27M
Egypt: 86.90M
UK: 57.44M
Average Export Price*
$2.20 - $2.35 /Kg
$2220 - $2350 /MT
* Kenyan tea prices vary weekly depending on the Mombasa Tea Auction - influenced by global events and market conditions. Learn more.
Emerging Markets:
Chad | Kazakstan | South Sudan
$2.20 - $2.35 /Kg
$2220 - $2350 /MT
Kenyan Tea Export Highlights (2023–2024)
IIn 2024, Kenya exported tea worth approximately $1.35 billion (Kshs 181.69 billion), solidifying its position as the world's largest exporter of black tea. Tea remains Kenya's top export commodity, shipped to 96 countries globally.
These figures are backed by the Tea Board of Kenya's official 2024 performance report, which provides in-depth insights into the sector’s growth, challenges, and global reach.
The primary destinations for Kenyan tea exports in 2024 were:
Destination | Volume (Million Kgs) | Export Value (USD) | Market Insights (2025) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pakistan | 206.27 | $519M | Slight dip due to tax; rebound expected. | |
Egypt | 86.90 | $178M | Strong growth; stable demand ahead due to Sudan ban of Kenyan tea imports. | |
UK | 57.44 | $126M | Rising demand, especially premium teas. | |
UAE | 30.50 | $76M | Stable market; growth in re-export segment. | |
Russia | 28.46 | $55M | Significant recovery; volumes rising. | |
Saudi Arabia | 15.83 | $35M | Consistent growth anticipated. | |
India | 13.45 | $22M | Increased specialty tea demand. | |
China | 12.42 | $20M | Growing market; expanding presence. | |
Sudan | 10.77 | $18M | Decline due to conflict; slow recovery. | |
Netherlands | 7.53 | $12M | Steady growth; key EU gateway market. |
Beyond the top 10 markets, Kenya exports tea to over 85 other countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Beyond the top 10, Kenya exports tea to 85+ countries. Markets such as Germany, Poland, Switzerland, and Oman are showing steady or rising demand, particularly for premium, blended, or private-label teas.
Kenya’s consistent performance in both traditional and emerging markets reinforces its status as one of the world’s most reliable origins for bulk black tea.
Top 5 Emerging Import Markets for Kenyan Tea (2023–2025)
Destination | Growth Driver (2023–2024) | |
|---|---|---|
Chad | Growth driven by trade disruptions from Sudan conflict, leading Chad to import directly via alternative routes. | |
Kazakhstan | Increased preference for Kenyan black tea over traditional suppliers, boosted by aggressive direct sourcing and market outreach. | |
South Sudan* | 2024: Growth driven by shift from Sudan’s disrupted supply chain.
*2025 outlook uncertain due to a trade standoff halting Kenyan tea exports to Sudan. | |
Nigeria | Strong retail and bulk blending demand; Nigerian ports serve West and Central African tea markets. | |
Oman | Steady rise linked to private-label growth, blending, and increased Gulf demand for CTC black tea. |
These emerging markets reflect a growing global diversification of Kenyan tea demand.
Other fast-growing markets between 2022–2023 included Afghanistan and Jordan, which are becoming active buyers due to changing regional sourcing trends.
This trend highlights the opportunity for importers in non-traditional markets to establish early trade relationships and benefit from favourable pricing and growing consumer demand.
Kenyan Tea Price Trends & What Influences Kenyan Tea Costs
Kenyan tea is traded in USD, providing consistent pricing for global buyers.
While prices are determined weekly at the Mombasa Tea Auction, they vary depending on:
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Tea grade and cut (e.g. CTC vs orthodox)
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Auction timing and global events
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Volume ordered
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Your local currency’s exchange rate vs USD
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Market demand and seasonal supply
Request a quote to get accurate, up-to-date pricing based on your needs.
Key Factors Behind Kenyan Tea Exports Advantage in 2024
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Consistency in Quality - Kenyan CTC teas are known for their rich colour, bold taste, and brightness
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Auction-backed Transparency - Weekly prices are publicly reported in a well-structured auction
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Higher Volume Reliability - Steady supply maintained throughout the year
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Price stability VS India - Kenyan teas remained competitively priced, especially for bulk buyers
Strategic Opportunities for Tea Importers in 2025
Kenya’s tea industry continues to provide strategic sourcing advantages for importers worldwide:
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Capitalize on competitive prices and steady volumes
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Source Orthodox Teas directly from estates, auction brokers, or processors
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Grow in emerging markets like Chad, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, and South Sudan
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Diversify into specialty teas including orthodox, and purple tea
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Supply for growing formats: tea powders, extracts, and ready-to-drink beverages
Kenya’s ability to offer reliability, transparency, and versatility makes it a top-tier origin — not just in volume, but in value.
Ready to Buy Kenyan Tea?
Whether you’re sourcing for bulk, private label, blends, or retail-ready formats, we’ll help you navigate the Mombasa tea auction, connect with trusted suppliers, and get you started with tailored quotes or samples.