Value addition will enhance Kenyan tea's international competitiveness

Agnes Wangechi a worker at Chinga Tea Factory in Othaya ,Nyeri ,monitor the withering process which reduces the moisture content in the fresh green leaves On 7 December,2022. [Kibata Kihu, Standard]

Tea is a commodity that contributes significantly to global trade. Data on global trade estimate that in 2021, global tea trade amounted to approximately 7.23 billion dollars. China is the leading tea exporter, with 2.1 billion dollars worth of tea being exported last year, contributing to 29 per cent of the global tea exports.

Kenya came in second after exporting tea worth 1.2 billion dollars and contributing to 16 per cent of the tea trade, while Sri Lanka and India were third and fourth with tea exports of 732 million dollars (10 per cent) and 688 million dollars (9 per cent) respectively.