Bulk black tea imports in the United Arab Emirates: data, top suppliers and prices
The United Arab Emirates imported $290.6 million of bulk black tea in 2024 (88.1 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 2nd largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 210 countries. That is 34% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 19% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $290.6M | 88.1K t |
| 2023 | $217.3M | 69.5K t |
| 2022 | $282.7M | 83.4K t |
| 2021 | $186.2M | 63.9K t |
| 2020 | $135.1M | 57.9K t |
| 2019 | $133.4M | 57.1K t |
| 2018 | $240.7M | 91.0K t |
| 2017 | $85.0M | 27.0K t |
Where the United Arab Emirates imports bulk black tea from
The largest suppliers were India (46%), Sri Lanka (28%), Kenya (24%). Among the main suppliers, Sri Lanka grew fastest (+103% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $132.6M | 46% |
| Sri Lanka | $82.4M | 28% |
| Kenya | $69.9M | 24% |
| Indonesia | $1.6M | 0.5% |
| Pakistan | $1.6M | 0.5% |
| Tanzania | $505K | 0.2% |
| Malawi | $421K | 0.1% |
| Lebanon | $346K | 0.1% |
| Saudi Arabia | $296K | 0.1% |
| United Kingdom | $175K | 0.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.30 per kg, 25% above the world average of $2.63. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Bulk black tea exports from the United Arab Emirates
Exports of bulk black tea by the United Arab Emirates reached $11.9 million in 2024 (8.5 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Ukraine (20%), India (20%), Sri Lanka (16%). Among the main buyer markets, Sri Lanka grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Ukraine | $2.4M | 20% |
| India | $2.3M | 20% |
| Sri Lanka | $1.9M | 16% |
| Singapore | $1.4M | 12% |
| Saudi Arabia | $1.1M | 9.4% |
| Canada | $707K | 6% |
| Kuwait | $662K | 5.6% |
| Bahrain | $430K | 3.6% |
| Qatar | $177K | 1.5% |
| Netherlands | $136K | 1.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Arab Emirates?
The shipment records behind United Arab Emirates bulk black tea imports (HS 0902.40): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 0902.40: Tea, black: (fermented) and partly fermented tea, in immediate packings of a content exceeding 3kg.
Common questions
What is the value of bulk black tea imported by the United Arab Emirates?
The United Arab Emirates imported bulk black tea worth $290.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 88.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 2nd of 210 countries worldwide, with 8% of world imports. The value was up 34% on 2023.
Which countries supply bulk black tea to the United Arab Emirates?
India was the largest supplier with 46% of the value ($132.6 million), followed by Sri Lanka (28%) and Kenya (24%). The top three together account for 98%, out of 38 supplier countries in total. Pakistan grew fastest among the top ten, up 670% on the year.
What is the average import price of bulk black tea per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.30 per kg in 2024, 25% above the world average of $2.63 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of bulk black tea to the United Arab Emirates changed since 2017?
Imports went from $85.0 million in 2017 to $290.6 million in 2024, an increase of 242%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $196.4 million a year.
Does the United Arab Emirates also export bulk black tea?
Yes. The United Arab Emirates exported $11.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Ukraine, India and Sri Lanka. On balance the United Arab Emirates is a net importer of this product, by about $278.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for bulk black tea?
The HS code for bulk black tea is subheading 0902.40. It sits in HS chapter 09 (coffee, tea, mate and spices). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 0902 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds the United Arab Emirates trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
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