(MENAFN) Türkiye’s tea industry has marked a significant milestone, exporting to 112 countries and territories while generating $22.2 million in revenue during the first nine months of 2025, according to figures from the Eastern Black Sea Exporters Association. This represents a sharp increase from $17.9 million in the same period last year.

Tea shipments rose by 12% year-on-year, totaling 4,057 tons. Leading importers were Belgium, the United Kingdom, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, purchasing tea valued at $7.8 million, $3.6 million, and $1.9 million, respectively.

The northeastern province of Rize, a key tea-producing region, contributed nearly half of the nation’s tea exports with 2,670 tons and $10.7 million in revenue. Rize exported to 25 countries, with Belgium as its primary buyer.

Saban Turgut, vice chair of the Eastern Black Sea Exporters Association and head of its tea sector committee, told a news agency that Turkish tea exports have seen exceptional growth in European markets from January through September.

“Turkish tea exports rise every day with the increased interest, branding, and perceived quality,” Turgut said. “The last quarter of the year is usually busy with exports — if we can maintain this momentum, Turkish tea exports could exceed $28 million (in revenue) by the end of the year.”

Highlighting future ambitions, he added, “We want Turkish tea to gain a stronger foothold in markets beyond Europe, such as in the Middle East, the US, and the Asia-Pacific region.”

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