Kenya has continued to dominate first-world countries in producing and exporting luxurious black tea, among other types.
Data from the International Tea Committee (ITC) indicated that Kenya was the biggest exporter of tea worldwide after exporting 558 million kilograms in 2021, followed by China and Sri Lanka.
Regarding production, Kenya came in third after China, which produced 3 million tons in the same year, followed by India at 1.3 million tons.
"China was the dominant player, as it produced a whopping 3 million tons of tea in 2021, almost half the global production of 6.45 million tons. Indian tea production stood at 1.3 million tons.
"Exports-wise, however, the picture is slightly different. Kenya was the world's largest tea exporter in 2021, having sold 558 million kilograms on the global markets, with China and Sri Lanka coming in at second and third places, with 369 million kilograms and 282 million kilograms of exports.
"India, the world's second-largest tea producer, stood at number four," read the statement in part.
Kenya, however, emerged fifth on the list of countries producing the best teas.
According to Insider Monkey, a global media outlet, Kenya exported tea worth Ksh137 billion in 2021, most of which was black tea.
"Crucially, Kenya exports the bulk of its production, unlike some other tea countries, and small farmers dominate the industry.
"The bulk of its tea production is black tea, and other variants are also produced but in small quantities," noted the outlet.
Kenya-China Ties
In June 2022, China deepened its ties with Kenya after ordering 5 million kilograms per year to cater to its population.
The deal aimed to benefit Kenyan farmers, who suffered some of the lowest prices at the auction, with an annual income of Ksh7 billion.
According to ITC, the prices dropped from Ksh351 in 2017 to just Ksh246 in 2021.
