Shengzhou Tea Exports in 2025: Sustaining Growth Through Strategic Diversification

In 2025, Shengzhou has reinforced its pivotal role in China's tea export landscape, processing and exporting approximately one-fifth of the nation's green tea. The city achieved an estimated export volume of 70,000 tonnes, generating around 1.3 billion RMB in value. This robust performance is supported by a mature industrial base of over 30 refined tea processing factories, including 15 enterprises with self-operated import-export rights. Traditionally, Shengzhou's exports have been anchored by bulk green tea, notably Zhucha (gunpowder tea), with Africa, particularly Morocco, serving as a cornerstone market. In recent years, strategic market expansion has been evident, with Central Asian nations like Uzbekistan emerging as significant destinations, facilitated by dedicated international rail links from Yiwu. Meanwhile, more developed markets, including the European Union and the United Kingdom, import premium bulk tea, adhering to strict EU standards that test for over 480 pesticide residues.

Looking ahead, the industry is proactively transforming from a bulk supplier to a value-added exporter. A key strategy involves product diversification and upgrading, exemplified by the successful export of innovative products such as buckwheat Longjing tea to the UK and herbal blended bagged teas to Saudi Arabia. This shift aims to capture higher profit margins and reduce reliance on volatile traditional markets. This transformation is bolstered by strong governmental support, notably Zhejiang province's "Ten Measures to Support Zhejiang Tea Going Global" policy. The initiative sets ambitious targets, including reaching an annual export value of $500 million and cultivating ten leading export enterprises by 2027. Concurrently, efforts to build a cohesive brand identity and promote tea culture are gaining momentum, positioning Shengzhou for sustainable and upgraded growth in the global arena.