Kenya’s tea sector has suffered a sharp setback following Sudan’s trade ban, which led to a 69 percent collapse in exports during the first quarter of 2025, leaving the country at risk of losing 1.79 million kilograms of tea.
The ban, triggered by the ongoing civil war in Sudan, has disrupted one of Kenya’s key markets and forced exporters to rely more heavily on other destinations. Records show that Pakistan, already the largest buyer of Kenyan tea, added 56.47 million kilograms in the same period, securing 39 percent of total exports.
Pakistan, which does not grow tea locally, has one of the highest consumption rates globally at 0.79 kilograms per capita, accounting for nearly 70 percent of Kenya’s tea imports. Popular brands such as Tapal, which relies on Kenyan CTC leaves, and Unilever’s Lipton, dominate the market.
Elsewhere, China and Jordan absorbed significant volumes, with Jordan consuming 0.86 million kilograms (71 percent increase) and China taking 51 percent growth in Q1. However, Beijing mainly uses Kenyan tea for blending rather than direct consumption, a trend that has seen overall Chinese demand fluctuate.
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The Gulf shipping route has become increasingly dangerous, prompting Egypt to report an increase of 5.91 million kilograms, while the United Kingdom recorded an additional 1.34 million kilograms in imports.
Despite these gains, exporters warn that many consuming countries face challenges ranging from sanctions and wars to managerial inefficiencies, all against the backdrop of a fragile global economy.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has previously cautioned that Kenya’s tea sector remains vulnerable to geopolitical shocks, with disruptions in major markets often translating into steep losses for farmers and exporters.
By Ochola Victor
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