Vietnam Tea Exports to US Rise 36% on Higher Prices, Volumes
Vietnam recorded US$7.64 million in tea shipments to the United States during the first eight months of 2026, driven by a 22% rise in volumes and a 12% increase in average prices per ton.
US Exports See Significant Growth
Vietnam's tea exports to the United States reached US$7.64 million in the first eight months of 2026, marking a 36.4% increase compared to the previous year. This growth stemmed from both higher shipment volumes and elevated prices, according to customs data.
Volumes to the US grew by 22% year-on-year, while the average export price for tea shipped to the US rose by 12% to $1,649 per ton over the period. This performance contrasts with the broader trend in Vietnam's overall tea exports.
Broader Export Performance
During the same eight-month period, Vietnam's total tea exports amounted to 77,256 tons, generating US$143.5 million. While the overall volume decreased by 9.8% from the previous year, the total value saw a more modest decline of 1.5%. The average export price across all markets showed a 4.5% year-on-year increase, reaching $1,778 per ton. This indicates that despite shipping less product, Vietnam secured better prices for its tea globally.
Divergent Market Trends
Customs data also revealed varied performance across other key markets. Exports to Russia climbed by 15%, and shipments to Saudi Arabia increased by 27%. Conversely, sales to Pakistan, a historically significant market for Vietnamese tea, more than halved.
This sharp reduction was attributed to the introduction of new halal certification requirements, which impacted the flow of goods to the country.
The Export-Import Department anticipates continued growth in shipments and sustained high prices through the final quarter of 2026. This positive outlook is supported by festive demand anticipated in Asia, the Middle East, and North America.
The department noted that rising export prices reflect an ongoing shift in global demand away from raw tea towards more value-added products, such as oolong, processed green tea, and flavoured varieties. This trend suggests Vietnamese tea producers can mitigate volume declines by focusing on higher-value products to maintain revenue.
This article is journalism, not investment advice; consult a licensed professional before making financial decisions. Market data is indicative, may be delayed, and should be verified with your broker or exchange before use.
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