According to the Import-Export Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam exported 8,820 tonnes of tea worth USD 16.1 million in May, down 18.1 per cent in volume and 14.1 per cent in value compared with the same month last year.
In the first five months of 2026, tea exports totalled 43,200 tonnes valued at USD 74.7 million, representing declines of 7.1 per cent in volume and 2.5 per cent in value year on year.
Despite the downturn in shipments, the average export price rose to USD 1,730 per tonne, up 4.9 per cent from a year earlier, indicating an improvement in product value.
According to the Vietnam Tea Association, the country ranks fifth in the world for tea production and exports (Photo: Tran Thanh).
The department said Vietnam's tea industry continues to face intense competition from leading producers such as India, Kenya and Sri Lanka.
In addition, inconsistent product quality and the lack of internationally recognised brands have limited the sector's ability to generate higher value, leaving Vietnamese tea priced below the global average.
Taiwan emerged as Vietnam's largest tea export market during the January-May period, importing 4,800 tonnes worth USD 9.2 million. Export volumes increased by 4.3 per cent, while export value rose 17 per cent compared with the same period in 2025.
The average export price to Taiwan reached USD 1,912 per tonne, up 12.1 per cent year on year.
In contrast, exports to China and Pakistan continued to decline.
China imported 4,400 tonnes of Vietnamese tea worth USD 6.8 million during the first five months of the year, down 9.8 per cent in volume and 14.1 per cent in value.
Several traditional markets, however, recorded positive growth.
Exports to Russia reached 2,800 tonnes valued at USD 4.8 million, up 13.2 per cent in volume and 2.7 per cent in value.
The United States imported 2,800 tonnes worth USD 4.7 million, an increase of 3.9 per cent in volume and 14.5 per cent in value.
Exports to India rose 12 per cent in volume and 18.1 per cent in value, while shipments to Philippines surged 84.2 per cent in volume and 93.6 per cent in value.
The Import-Export Department said that although Vietnam is expanding tea exports in markets such as Taiwan, Russia, the United States and the Philippines, the industry still faces the challenge of increasing value-added production.
At USD 1,730 per tonne, Vietnam's average tea export price remains below the global average, while raw tea continues to account for a significant share of exports.
To achieve sustainable growth, businesses will need to invest more heavily in deep processing, improve product quality and strengthen compliance with food safety and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards.
These measures are considered essential for expanding access to demanding markets such as the United States and the European Union, while also capitalising on opportunities in promising niche markets across the Middle East and Southeast Asia.