US Tea Imports Overtake UK for First Time

In a shift that signals changing tastes among younger generations, American tea imports have officially overtaken those of the UK — a first in recent history. While coffee has long been the default caffeine choice in the West, new data reveals that tea is gaining ground, especially among Americans under 30. But what’s driving this change, and how does it reflect broader consumption trends on both sides of the Atlantic?

Yes, according to the International Trade Centre, the United States imported 129,166 tonnes of tea in 2014 — surpassing the UK’s 126,512 tonnes. This marks the first time US tea imports have exceeded the UK’s, driven by a 30% rise in US imports over ten years and a 20% drop in UK imports during the same period.

Why Are Younger Americans Drinking More Tea?

Peter Goggi, president of the Tea Association, points to a generational shift: “We found that drinking tea for its health benefits is widely accepted,” he says. Data from YouGov backs this up. Among Americans aged 18 to 29, coffee and tea are equally popular. But among those aged 45 to 64, 62% prefer coffee, rising to 70% for those 65 and older. Tea is making its biggest gains with younger drinkers.

What’s Happening with Hot vs Iced Tea in the US?

Iced tea has long dominated US tea consumption, but there’s growing evidence that hot tea is gaining popularity. As low-fat and health-conscious choices rise, more tea shops are opening nationwide. In 2012, Starbucks entered the tea market by acquiring Teavana, a specialty tea retailer, signaling tea’s expanding role in the American beverage landscape.

How Has Coffee Consumption Changed in the US and UK?

The National Coffee Association reports that 59% of Americans now drink coffee daily, down from 61% in 2014 and 63% in 2013. This decline is concerning for coffee traders already facing falling Arabica bean prices. Meanwhile, in the UK, annual per capita tea consumption fell steadily from 1.6kg in 2009 to 1.4kg in 2014, while coffee consumption rose from 0.9kg to 1.2kg over the same period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did US tea imports really surpass the UK’s in 2014?

Yes. According to the International Trade Centre, the US imported 129,166 tonnes of tea in 2014, while the UK imported 126,512 tonnes — the first time US imports have exceeded the UK’s.

Why is tea becoming more popular with young Americans?

YouGov surveys show that among Americans aged 18 to 29, coffee and tea are equally preferred. Tea is seen as a healthier choice, and its popularity is growing fastest in the 16 to 26 age group, according to the Tea Association.

Is iced tea still more popular than hot tea in the US?

Iced tea has traditionally dominated, but YouGov and industry observations suggest that hot tea consumption is increasing, particularly as more health-focused and specialty tea shops open across the country.

How has coffee consumption changed in the US recently?

The National Coffee Association found that daily coffee drinking fell to 59% of Americans in 2014, down from 61% in 2014 and 63% in 2013 — a downward trend worrying for coffee market stakeholders.

What’s happening with tea and coffee in the UK?

In the UK, per capita tea consumption dropped from 1.6kg in 2009 to 1.4kg in 2014, while coffee consumption rose from 0.9kg to 1.2kg over the same period, showing a shift toward coffee among British consumers.

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