China

According to Chengdu-based Huo Jianguo, chairman of China Chamber of Commerce of Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-Products, tea exports from China are expected to remain stable or even grow slightly this year.

During the first four months of the year, tea exports rose by 4.5%, defying an overall trend that saw exports in general slump by over 20% in the same period.

"Tea is a daily food item, and there is still considerable demand for China’s tea amid the global downturn," according to Cai Jun, secretary general of the association. "As tea stockpiles in the international market reduce, China’s tea exports will see further growth in the second half."

"As the largest tea production country and the third largest tea export country, China still faces challenges in building a standard production and quality control system and fostering and promoting its own tea brand in the international market," Huo added.