Kenya tea exports rise 6% in Q1 2026 as Pakistan strengthens lead 

KENYA – Kenya’s tea exports increased by 6% during the first quarter of 2026, reaching 144.46 million kilograms, as strong demand from key markets offset declines in several traditional destinations amid evolving global trade dynamics. 

Latest industry data shows that Pakistan retained its position as Kenya’s largest tea export market, importing a record 56.47 million kilograms between January and March. The volume represented an increase of 7.22 million kilograms compared to the corresponding period in 2025. 

Pakistan accounted for 39% of Kenya’s total tea exports during the quarter, further reinforcing its importance to the country’s tea industry. The South Asian nation’s continued demand has been largely driven by strong domestic tea consumption, making it a critical market for Kenyan exporters. 

The growth in exports was also supported by improved performance in several other destinations. Shipments to Egypt increased by 5.91 million kilograms during the period, while exports to the United Kingdom rose by 1.34 million kilograms. 

Yemen emerged as one of the fastest-growing markets for Kenyan tea, with export volumes surging by 140% to 2.64 million kilograms. The increase has been linked to changing regional trade patterns, as importers increasingly utilize alternative supply routes through Oman and other intermediary markets due to ongoing disruptions affecting traditional Gulf shipping corridors. 

The changing logistics landscape has created new opportunities for Kenyan tea exporters to access consumers through alternative distribution channels while maintaining market presence in the region. 

Despite the overall growth, several established export destinations recorded significant declines during the quarter. 

Sudan experienced the sharpest contraction, with tea imports from Kenya falling by 69% to 1.79 million kilograms. The decline followed a trade ban imposed by Khartoum in March 2025 after diplomatic tensions emerged between the two countries. 

The drop highlights the vulnerability of agricultural trade flows to geopolitical developments and demonstrates how diplomatic disputes can rapidly affect export markets. 

Jordan also recorded a substantial decline, with imports of Kenyan tea dropping by 71% to 860,000 kilograms. Industry data indicates that broader disruptions across Middle Eastern trade routes, combined with security concerns, economic uncertainty and rising shipping costs, have affected commercial activity in several markets across the region. 

China likewise reduced its purchases of Kenyan tea by 51% to 1.22 million kilograms during the quarter. The country primarily imports Kenyan tea for blending purposes, making demand highly sensitive to pricing dynamics and sourcing decisions. 

The latest export figures underscore both the resilience of Kenya’s tea sector and the growing influence of geopolitical and market factors in shaping global tea trade patterns. 

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