VIETNAM TEA EXPORT SITUATION IN EARLY 2025

Key Takeaways for Importers

• Vietnam’s tea export price = ~65% of global average.
• Raw tea dominates → good for blending or bulk resale.
• Markets to watch: India (+293%), Iraq (+127%), China (+44%).
• Risks: Declines in Taiwan, Malaysia, and the U.S.

Vietnam’s tea exports started 2025 with a dip in price and volume — but for international buyers, this might signal an unexpected opportunity.

Some markets, including India and Iraq, have significantly increased their import volumes from Vietnam, highlighting the country’s position as a competitive source for cost-effective tea exports. This article breaks down key data and what it means for global importers. 

1. About export volume and price

According to statistics from the General Department of Customs, in the first two months of 2025, Vietnam exported 17,338 tons of various types of tea, equivalent to USD 28.32 million, with an average price of USD 1,633.2 per ton. This marks a decrease of 1.8% in volume, 3% in export value, and 1.2% in price compared to the same period in 2024.

In February 2025, tea exports reached 7,661 tons, earning USD 11.92 million, with an average price of USD 1,555.9 per ton. Compared to January 2025, this represents a drop of 21% in volume, 27.4% in value, and 8.1% in price. However, compared to February 2024, exports increased by 45% in volume and 44.5% in value, despite a slight 0.3% decline in price.

According to the Import and Export Department, Vietnam’s current average tea export price is only about 65% of the global average and significantly lower than that of India and Sri Lanka. The main reason is that most of Vietnam’s tea exports are raw, lack deep processing, have simple packaging, and are often without clear labeling or branding

2. About export market

According to the Import and Export Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam has become the world’s fifth-largest tea producer and exporter, shipping tea to 74 markets. The country now processes around 15 different types of tea, with black tea and green tea being the two main products, accounting for the largest share of total exports.

In February 2025, Pakistan was Vietnam’s largest tea export market, accounting for 23.57% of the volume and 27.26% of the total export value, with 1,806 tons exported, worth USD 3.25 million. Compared to the same period last year, tea exports to Pakistan surged by 91.5% in volume and 83.8% in value. The average export price to this market stood at USD 1,800 per ton, down 4% compared to February 2024.

In addition, Vietnam’s tea exports to several markets recorded strong growth over the same period in 2024, including Indonesia, China, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and India. In contrast, exports declined in some other markets such as Pakistan, Taiwan (China), the United States, and Malaysia mainly because of safety standards, and rising demand for premium teas.

Vietnam’s tea exports to markets in the first two months of 2025

Source: Vietnam Customs Department 

Despite overall declines, savvy buyers are looking to Vietnam as a competitive source for blending-grade teas, especially for price-sensitive markets. The jump in exports to India (+293.4%) signals a trend worth watching.[:]