Introduction – Thailand’s Tea Market: A Quantitative Overview
Thailand may not always be the first name that springs to mind when you think about tea exports, but that’s changing fast. With a blend of traditional cultivation techniques and modern processing technologies, Thailand’s tea industry is brewing up some serious global attention.
In 2024 alone, Thailand’s tea exports surged to a value of $18.6 million, a solid indicator of the country’s rising clout in the international tea market. The country is steadily becoming a key player in export-heavy segments such as oolong, green, and herbal teas. This kind of growth calls for a smarter, more data-driven approach when choosing suppliers — especially for businesses looking to import premium Thai tea.
Whether you’re sourcing for retail, wholesale, or private label ventures, understanding the numbers behind Thailand’s tea industry can help you make informed decisions. And that’s where platforms like Freshdi come in, offering real-time RFQ trends, supplier verification, and market insights tailored to your sourcing needs.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Market Signals
Thailand’s tea sector has been heating up in recent years. Let’s unpack the numbers and market signals that are shaping this dynamic export landscape.
Production and Export Snapshot
- Export Value in 2024: $18.6 million
- Growth Trend: Significant boost from prior years
- Key Export Destinations in 2023:
- United States: $3.09 million (16.6%)
- Cambodia: $2.74 million (14.7%)
- China: $2.38 million (12.7%)
- Vietnam: $1.81 million (9.72%)
- Malaysia: $1.79 million (9.64%)
- Indonesia: $1.78 million (9.57%)
- Singapore: $1.64 million (8.8%)
These exports reflect a strong regional and international footprint. The U.S. remains the largest buyer, and new trade deals, like the 19% tariff agreement signed in 2025, are expected to further amplify Thailand’s competitiveness.
Market Demand Trends
Freshdi’s RFQ volume data suggests a growing interest in:
- Premium Oolong and Organic Teas – Especially from health-conscious markets like Singapore.
- Ready-to-drink and Instant Milk Teas – Gaining traction across Southeast Asia.
These trends are a direct reflection of consumer preferences shifting toward authenticity and convenience — two qualities that Thai tea products often deliver in spades.
Top 5 Verified Tea Suppliers in Thailand – Leading Exporters by Volume
We’ve combed through Freshdi’s export data, supplier ratings, and verified trade volumes to highlight the Top 5 Tea Suppliers in Thailand in Quarter 3 of 2025. These are the players making waves in the global tea trade.
1. Jt Nature
Jt Nature is a standout name when it comes to organic and herbal tea exports. They specialize in high-quality loose leaf teas and have consistently ranked high in buyer satisfaction on Freshdi.
- Strengths: Herbal blends, sustainable sourcing
- Certifications: Organic, GMP
- Export Markets: U.S., EU
2. One Thai Foods Co., Ltd.
Though better known for their milk tea ingredients like non-dairy creamers, One Thai Foods has carved a niche in the bubble tea and café supply segment.
- Strengths: Milk tea mixes, café supply chain
- Certifications: HACCP, ISO
- Export Markets: Japan, South Korea, Taiwan
3. Inter Beverages
Inter Beverages is a comprehensive beverage exporter with a strong foothold in functional and flavored teas. Their turnkey solutions are ideal for private label buyers.
- Strengths: Customized blends, RTD tea formats
- Certifications: FDA, Halal
- Export Markets: Middle East, ASEAN
4. Mangmee Enterprise Company Limited
Mangmee Enterprise brings industrial-level consistency to tea exports. Known for bulk shipments and tea-grade HDPE packaging, they’re a favorite among large-scale buyers.
- Strengths: Bulk orders, reliable logistics
- Certifications: SGS Tested
- Export Markets: China, Vietnam
5. CHEE TING Company Limited
For boba tea lovers and suppliers, CHEE TING is a go-to. They offer premium tapioca pearls that pair perfectly with Thai-style milk teas, making them a popular choice for bubble tea franchises.
- Strengths: Boba pearls, snack-grade tea accompaniments
- Certifications: FDA, GMP
- Export Markets: ASEAN, North America
Dynamic Ranking Note
It’s worth noting that platforms like Freshdi frequently update their supplier rankings based on recent trade activity, buyer reviews, and RFQ fulfillment rates. Keep an eye out for their “Suppliers of the Month” or “Top Exporters of the Quarter” to stay ahead of emerging leaders in the Thai tea trade.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Pricing Analysis & Export Dynamics
If you’re planning to import Thai tea, understanding the broader market dynamics can save you time and money. Let’s break it down.
Supply, Demand & Forecasts
- Projected Production by 2026: 57,000 metric tons
- Domestic Consumption: Expected to settle at 56,000 metric tons
- Annual Growth Rate: 1.1% for production, -0.6% for consumption
This signals a growing surplus — great news if you’re an importer looking for consistent supply.
Export Momentum
- September 2025 Exports: Jumped 19% YoY
- Exports to U.S.: Rose 35.3% after tariff reduction to 19%
Thanks to favorable trade terms and climbing production, Thailand is on track to become a tea export powerhouse.
Seasonal Pricing Fluctuations
While specific Thai data is limited, regional market patterns suggest the following:
- Harvest Season (April–June): Lower prices due to supply influx
- Monsoon Season (July–September): Potential price hikes due to weather-related disruptions
Importers can use this to time purchases smartly — for example, locking in contracts during harvest season to hedge against Q3 volatility.
Revenue Projections
- 2025 Market Revenue: Estimated at $265.03 million
- 2030 Forecast: Projected to hit $399.94 million
- CAGR (2025–2030): 8.58%
This growth reflects rising global demand for both traditional and modern Thai tea products, from ceremonial oolong to instant milk tea packs.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Strategic Sourcing
Thailand’s tea sector isn’t just growing — it’s evolving. With production scaling up, exports expanding, and new trade policies boosting competitiveness, now is a fantastic time for businesses to explore Thai tea suppliers. But success in sourcing depends on more than gut feeling — it requires data, insights, and verified partnerships.
Platforms like Freshdi are game-changers in this space. By offering access to real-time RFQ trends, supplier performance metrics, and certification data, Freshdi helps buyers make smarter, faster, and safer sourcing decisions.
✅ Checklist for Tea Buyers – Sourcing from Thailand
- ✅ Verify supplier certifications (GMP, FDA, Organic)
- ✅ Check export volumes and top markets served
- ✅ Time your purchases with seasonal harvests
- ✅ Use Freshdi to access supplier reviews and RFQ trends
- ✅ Monitor trade policy updates (e.g., U.S. tariff changes)
🔮 Future Outlook
Thailand’s tea industry is positioned for a bright future. With export markets expanding and buyers increasingly valuing quality and sustainability, Thai suppliers are stepping up their game. Expect continued innovation in product offerings, packaging, and logistics — all tailored to global demand.
Whether you’re a startup café chain, a global distributor, or a wellness brand, sourcing from Thailand could be your next strategic move. And with tools like Freshdi at your fingertips, navigating this vibrant market has never been easier.
FAQs
1. What types of tea does Thailand export the most?
Thailand primarily exports oolong, green, and herbal teas. There’s also a growing market for Thai milk tea mixes and bubble tea ingredients.
2. When is the best time to import tea from Thailand?
The ideal time is around the harvest season (April to June) when prices are generally lower due to higher supply.
3. How do I verify a Thai tea supplier’s credibility?
Use platforms like Freshdi to check supplier certifications, trade volume, and buyer reviews.
4. Are tariffs affecting Thai tea exports?
Yes, but in a positive way. A recent tariff reduction by the U.S. has boosted Thai tea exports significantly.
5. Can I request custom blends or private label options from Thai suppliers?
Absolutely. Many top suppliers on Freshdi offer private label services and custom formulations tailored to your brand.
References
- trendeconomy.com
- iconicthai.com
- reuters.com – Trade Deal
- reuters.com – Export Growth
- economictimes.indiatimes.com
- statista.com
- industryintel.com
- reportlinker.com
- Freshdi
