Malawi’s tea production fell by 7 percent in the first four months of 2025, with total output standing at 24,943,305 kilogrammes (kg), according to statistics from Tea Association of Malawi (Tam).
This represents a decrease of 1,884,936 kg when compared to 26,828,241 kg produced during the corresponding period in 2024.
In an interview, Tam Chief Executive Officer Tonda Chinangwa expressed optimism, noting that monthly production figures showed signs of recovery.
“On a monthly basis, production [levels] appear to be improving. In April 2025, we recorded 6,784,832 kilogrammes, compared to 6,013,747 kilogrammes in April 2024. This tells us that, this year, we may have better production than in 2024. If it [the favourable weather] continues, we may have better production than last year,” Chinangwa said.
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The Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) reported in its March 2025 Monthly Economic Report that tea production for that month totalled 6.1 million kg, down from 6.7 million kg in February 2025 and 7.3 million kg in March 2024.
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At the same time, tea prices rose slightly to $1.20 per kg, up from $1.10 in February.
Recently, Agriculture Minister Sam Kawale called for greater innovation and collaboration in Malawi’s tea sector to maximise export earnings from the crop.
He said the tea industry generates over $100 million annually in foreign exchange and employs more than 60,000 people, making it the country’s second-largest foreign exchange earner after tobacco.
Tea remains one of Malawi’s top cash crops and a significant source of foreign exchange.
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The country accounts for 10 percent of global tea production, according to Ethical Tea Partnership.
