Overview of Bangladesh Tea Industry
Bangladesh is among the world's top tea-producing countries, with a cultivation history of more than 150 years. In 2020, tea production was about 86,000 tons, primarily from Sylhet (Srimangal and Habiganj), Chattogram (Rangamati), and Panchagarh. However, with domestic consumption rising in a population of 170 million, Bangladesh is gradually shifting from a traditional export-led profile toward a net importer profile. In 2020, tea exports fell to roughly $25 million.
Regional Analysis of Tea Production
| Region | Production | Share | Plantations | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sylhet (Moulvibazar) | 48,000 tons | 56% | 92 | CTC-dominant, largest cluster |
| Sylhet (Habiganj) | 15,000 tons | 17% | 22 | CTC with some Orthodox |
| Chattogram (Rangamati) | 12,000 tons | 14% | 23 | CTC, small estate scale |
| Panchagarh (north) | 8,000 tons | 9% | 25 | New expansion, small holders |
| Others | 3,000 tons | 4% | 5 | Pilot expansion plots |
Sylhet accounts for 73% of total output, and the Moulvibazar area of Sylhet is widely known as the "tea capital" of Bangladesh. The northern district of Panchagarh is seeing active estate expansion, and participation from smallholders has increased rapidly.
CTC vs. Orthodox Tea Comparison
Tea Production and Export Trends
Bangladesh's tea sector has a 150-year legacy, but it is now transitioning from a net-export model toward net import as local demand strengthens. Korean firms can identify opportunities in premium tea imports from Srimangal, estate machinery and packaging technology exports, and organic tea R&D collaboration.