Tea Industry in Laos | Growth, Exports, and Coffee Competition

While Laos is well-known for its coffee industry, tea cultivation is gaining momentum as a strong competitor. With fertile highlands, favorable climates, and growing global demand for organic teas, Laos is beginning to position itself as a tea-producing country. This diversification is vital for strengthening the agricultural export sector.

Why Tea Matters in Laos

Export Growth: Strong demand from China, Vietnam, and Europe.
Agricultural Diversity: Reduces reliance on coffee exports.
Rural Employment: Provides jobs in highland communities.
Organic Appeal: Lao tea is often grown without chemicals.
Tourism Link: Tea plantations attract eco-tourists.
Key Features of the Lao Tea Industry

Highland Plantations: Tea grown in northern provinces like Phongsaly.
Organic Branding: Marketed as natural and eco-friendly.
Local Cooperatives: Farmers working together to reach export markets.
Competition with Coffee: Emerging as an alternative cash crop.
Challenges: Small-scale production and lack of global branding.
Example in Laos
The Phongsaly Tea Cooperative exports green and black teas to China and Europe. Their organic practices and unique mountain flavors have gained international attention.

Conclusion
The tea industry in Laos is still small but growing rapidly. With proper branding, infrastructure, and international partnerships, it can compete with coffee and strengthen Laos’ agricultural exports.

About CITS Laos
CITS Laos collaborates with tea producers, cooperatives, and exporters to build global visibility. We design bilingual websites, create SEO campaigns, and promote tea tourism online. By connecting Lao tea with international buyers, we ensure that this emerging industry gets the recognition it deserves alongside coffee.