Vietnam's 2023 Tea Exports: Lowest Output in 7 Years

DNHN - In 2023, Vietnam’s tea exports are estimated to reach 121,000 tonnes, worth 211 million USD. This is also the year with the lowest tea export in the past 7 years.

The Import and Export Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade) announced the data of the General Department of Customs, stating that in the fourth quarter of 2023, Vietnam’s tea exports are estimated to reach 39.3 thousand tonnes, worth 70 million USD. This is an increase of 16.7% in volume and 18.1% in value compared to the third quarter of 2023, although it decreased by 22.1% in volume but still increased by 1.4% in value compared to the fourth quarter of 2022. The average price of tea exports in the fourth quarter of 2023 reached 1,778.9 USD/tonne, up 1.2% compared to the third quarter of 2023 and up 30.1% compared to the fourth quarter of 2022.

In summary, in 2023, Vietnam’s tea exports reached about 121,000 tonnes, worth 211 million USD, down 16.9% in volume and 10.9% in value compared to 2022. The average export price of tea in 2023 is estimated to reach 1,737.3 USD/tonne, up 7.3% compared to 2022, and 2023 is also the year with the lowest tea export output in 7 years.

The main reason for the sharp decline in Vietnam’s tea exports in 2023 is attributed to the decrease in market demand and the increase in import regulations in major tea export markets.

It is noteworthy that the type of tea exported from Vietnam is currently mainly raw tea, with low processing content. Most of the exported teas have recorded a similar decrease in the 11 months of 2023. Green tea is the type of tea leading in volume and value, reaching 52.6 thousand tonnes, worth 104 million USD, down 6.9% in volume and 1% in value compared to the same period in 2022. Next is black tea with 42.2 thousand tonnes, worth 57.2 million USD, down 16.1% in volume and 18.4% in value. Scented tea reached 3.5 thousand tonnes, worth 7.3 million USD, down 4.7% in volume but up 6.7% in value.

Except for the oolong tea group, which reached 1.1 thousand tonnes, worth 3.5 million USD, up 101.8% in volume and 106.5% in value compared to the same period in 2022.

Although the import value of tea from Vietnam in major markets in the world accounts for a low proportion, the tea industry still has the opportunity to expand its market share because the market demand is not high. However, to increase exports to important markets, the Import and Export Agency proposes that the Vietnamese tea industry should focus on producing safe tea, encouraging the application of high technology and biotechnology, supporting the linkage of production from tea growers to processing and consumption, as well as promoting and promoting trade. Diversifying products and focusing on high-value products are also identified as important development directions.

Hieu Dan