US Tea Imports 2025: Top Tea Exporting Countries and Leading Importers in America
By USimport Data 13-10-2025 153
Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the United States, enjoyed by millions of Americans each day in homes, cafés, and restaurants. From the comforting aroma of classic black teas to the refreshing notes of green, herbal, and specialty blends, tea has become an essential part of American culture.
Despite its popularity, the U.S. produces very little tea domestically due to limited suitable growing regions. As a result, the country depends heavily on imports to meet its vast and diverse consumer demand, making it one of the largest tea importers in the world.
In this blog, we take a closer look at the U.S. tea import landscape — exploring how much tea the nation imports each year, which countries supply the majority of it, and which American companies are leading as importers and distributors. Whether you’re a tea producer, exporter, or industry enthusiast, this analysis provides valuable insights into the trends, key players, and trade opportunities shaping the U.S. tea market.
US Tea Imports: An Overview
The United States imports hundreds of millions of pounds of tea every year to meet its growing consumer demand. Whether it’s loose leaf, bagged, or instant tea, U.S. businesses rely on global suppliers to stock shelves and cafes.
In recent years, consumer preferences have shifted towards health-conscious and specialty teas, increasing demand for organic, herbal, and green teas. This trend is influencing how importers select their sources and build partnerships abroad.
US Tea Imports by Country
The U.S. tea market continues to rely heavily on international suppliers to meet domestic demand. Based on the most recent data, here are the top 10 countries exporting tea to the United States, ranked by value:
| Rank | Country | Import Value (USD) | Share of US Tea Imports |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Japan | $110.40 million | 19.1% |
| 2 | India | $68.53 million | 11.8% |
| 3 | Argentina | $62.69 million | 10.8% |
| 4 | China | $59.58 million | 10.3% |
| 5 | Sri Lanka | $49.30 million | 8.5% |
| 6 | United Kingdom | $30.86 million | 5.3% |
| 7 | Canada | $28.54 million | 4.9% |
| 8 | Taiwan | $22.56 million | 3.9% |
| 9 | United Arab Emirates | $21.73 million | 3.8% |
| 10 | Poland | $19.23 million | 3.3% |
Top Tea Importers in the USA
Below is a curated list of leading tea importers in the USA, ranked by estimated import activity and product specialization. These companies play a critical role in shaping what ends up on American shelves:
| Rank | Company Name | Estimated Imports | Product Focus | Key Origin Countries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ITO EN (North America) Inc. | $100 million | Green tea, RTD teas, matcha | Japan, China |
| 2 | VAHDAM Teas Global Inc. | $80 million | Loose-leaf, blends, wellness teas | India, Sri Lanka |
| 3 | Amazon.com Services Inc. | $70 million | Packaged teas, flavored/herbal | Multi-origin |
| 4 | Walter’s Bay International LLC | $50 million | Tea bags, herbal blends | Sri Lanka, China, India |
| 5 | A.T. LTD. | $35 million | Standard blends, packaged teas | India, Sri Lanka |
| 6 | Noble Roots Urban Garden | $30 million | Herbal, health-focused teas | Latin America, Asia |
| 7 | The Folger Coffee Company | $25 million | Bulk black teas for blends | Argentina, India, Kenya |
| 8 | Sucafina North America Inc. | $20 million | Bulk tea, foodservice blends | Kenya, India, China |
| 9 | Keurig Green Mountain Inc. | $15 million | Mainstream tea bags, flavored teas | India, Sri Lanka, China |
| 10 | Henry P. Thomson, Inc. | $14 million | Black tea, iced tea bases | Argentina, India, Sri Lanka |
Conclusion: A Dynamic Market for Global Tea Producers
The U.S. tea market is growing, fueled by demand for wellness, flavor variety, and sustainability. With rising imports from Japan, India, and Argentina, global producers have major opportunities. Success depends on understanding market trends, finding the right buyers, and using reliable trade data tools like usimportdata to make informed decisions.
