Dubai’s DMCC has forecast the global tea market will grow from USD 282 billion to nearly USD 300 billion by the end of 2025, driven by climate-smart production, traceable supply chains, and rising demand for premium, organic, functional, and ready-to-drink teas.
The projection was unveiled at the ninth Global Dubai Tea Forum.
The DMCC’s Future of Trade: Tea report highlights the sector’s evolution, noting it underpins USD 18 billion in annual production and USD 9.8 billion in global trade while supporting millions of smallholders worldwide. The report outlines strategies for building a more resilient, inclusive, and innovative tea economy, emphasizing the UAE’s growing role in value-added trade.
Dubai now accounts for over half of the world’s tea re-exports and is moving up the value chain through advanced blending, packaging, flavour profiling, storage, tax efficiency, and financial services offered via the DMCC Tea Centre. Since its launch 20 years ago, the centre has transformed Dubai from a logistics hub into a global tea platform focused on value creation.
Ahmed Bin Sulayem, DMCC Executive Chairman and CEO, said the industry is shifting toward products with traceable provenance and climate resilience, making these factors commercial necessities.
H.E. Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi of the UAE Ministry of Economy highlighted Dubai’s role in connecting producers and consumers through technology-enabled value chains.
The forum gathered government officials, producers, traders, and multinationals to address climate volatility, tariffs, changing consumer behaviour, and sustainability. Delegates emphasized the need for investment in climate-resilient farming, inclusive finance for growers, digital traceability systems, and product innovation to meet rising demand for functional and wellness-focused teas.
In 2024, the DMCC Tea Centre handled over 24,400 metric tonnes of tea, linking traditional origins with key markets across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global tea trade hub.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
