Casablanca – Morocco continues to reinforce its status as one of the world’s largest importers of Chinese tea, driven by steady domestic demand and the product’s strong cultural importance. According to recent data from Chinese customs authorities, the country ranked first globally in February 2026, accounting for around 15% of total Chinese tea exports during that month.

This performance places Morocco ahead of major markets such as Japan and the United States. Other key importers included Mauritania and Côte d’Ivoire, each with a 7% share, followed by Germany with 5% and Russia with just over 3%. Russia recorded notable growth, with imports increasing by about 40% year-on-year to reach $3.5 million, along with a monthly rise of approximately 7%.

Morocco’s leading role extends beyond a single month. Throughout 2025, it remained the top destination for Chinese tea exports, ahead of countries such as Senegal, Malaysia, Ghana, and Algeria. Together, the main importing markets accounted for more than 60% of China’s total tea export value, highlighting Morocco’s central position in global demand.

In value terms, Chinese tea exports to Morocco reached approximately $280 million between January and December 2025, reflecting a 14.7% increase compared to the previous year. Monthly data also shows consistent demand, with imports totaling about $10 million in December alone. Earlier figures indicate that Morocco imported nearly $48 million worth of Chinese green tea during the first two months of 2025, confirming a continued upward trend.

Green tea overwhelmingly dominates Moroccan imports, representing more than 99% of total tea purchases from China. This aligns with long-standing consumption habits, as green tea is the primary type used across the country. In 2023, Morocco imported around 59,000 tonnes of Chinese tea, valued at nearly $190 million, marking a record level and underlining the scale of national consumption.

On the supply side, China has continued to expand its tea production and exports. In 2025, total exports reached approximately 419,000 tonnes, supported by increased output in major provinces such as Zhejiang, Anhui, Hunan, Hubei, Fujian, Jiangxi, Henan, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan. Zhejiang led export volumes with more than 185,000 tonnes valued at about $560 million, followed by Anhui and Hunan with $280 million and $160 million respectively.

Overall, China’s tea exports reached $1.55 billion in 2025, marking an annual increase of 8.9%, while export volumes rose by 11.9%. These figures reflect the continued expansion of the global tea market, supported by rising demand in several regions, particularly in Africa.

Morocco’s strong demand for Chinese tea is closely linked to its social and cultural traditions. Tea is not just a beverage but a daily staple deeply embedded in everyday life. It plays a central role in social interactions, family gatherings, and hospitality practices across the country.

Serving tea is widely regarded as a key gesture of welcome and respect. It is commonly offered to guests in homes, offices, and public settings, and is often prepared with care using green tea, fresh mint, and sugar. The way tea is presented, including the method of pouring, reflects attention to detail and a long-standing tradition of hospitality.

Tea is also present in professional environments, where it is served during meetings and discussions, contributing to a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. This consistent and widespread consumption helps explain the sustained growth in imports and Morocco’s continued reliance on external suppliers.

From an economic perspective, Morocco’s heavy dependence on imported tea—primarily from China—raises questions about long-term supply diversification. While current trade relations remain stable, global market fluctuations or changes in production could influence future import patterns.

At the same time, local tea production remains limited due to climatic conditions, making imports essential to meeting domestic demand. As a result, Morocco is expected to maintain its position as a key importer, with China continuing to play a dominant role in supplying the market.

Morocco’s leadership in importing Chinese tea reflects a combination of strong consumer demand, stable trade ties, and deeply rooted cultural practices. As global trade evolves, tea is likely to remain both an economic necessity and a defining element of daily life in the country.