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Turkish tea, one of Türkiye’s key agricultural exports, was shipped to 104 countries in the first six months of 2025, with Europe emerging as the leading market, according to data from the Eastern Black Sea Exporters’ Association (DKIB).
The country exported 3,000 metric tons of tea between January and June, generating $16.9 million in revenue. This marked an increase from the 2,897 metric tons and $13.9 million recorded during the same period last year.
Belgium, the United Kingdom, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) were the top importers of Turkish tea. Belgium alone accounted for $7.7 million of the total, while the UK imported $2 million worth and the TRNC $1.5 million, according to DKIB figures.
More than half of Türkiye’s tea exports originated from the northern coastal province of Rize, long known as the heart of Turkish tea production. Rize accounted for 58% of total exports, generating $9.8 million in revenue.
From Rize specifically, Belgium imported $7.7 million worth of tea, the TRNC $718,000, and the United States $310,000.
Saban Turgut, vice chair of DKIB’s tea sector committee, described the export performance as encouraging, noting a 22% increase in value and a 5% rise in volume year-over-year.
“We will continue our promotional activities to raise awareness for Turkish tea, especially in countries with high purchasing power,” Turgut told Turkish news agency Anadolu.
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