1、Executive summaryThis document describes the evolution of global patterns of tea trade between 2005 and 2020.Based on a network analytical approach,it is shown that most countries traded tea with more partners in 2020 compared with 2005.Especially on the export side,the structure of the tea trade ne

2、twork appears to have undergone some decentralization,in which trade became relatively less concentrated in individual trade hubs.Rising population and per capita income in low-and middle-income countries,generally lower import tariffs,greater harmonization in maximum residue levels in tea,product v

3、alorisation and changes in consumer preferences,are among the factors that underpinned the expansion in trade.This trend is likely to persist over the next decade,offering additional opportunities for the industry.Introduction1.At its Fifteenth Session,the Intergovernmental Group on Tea(IGG/Tea)urge

4、d the secretariat to continue producing information products on the evolution of the global tea economy,with the objective of improving market transparency and access to information.In response to the Groups request,the secretariat produced this document,which examines the global patterns of tea tra

5、de between 2005 and 2020,based on a network analysis approach.The paper enriches the analysis of tea price developments and quantities of tea traded,focusing on the connectivity of countries among each other through the trade of tea and structural features of the tea trade network.2.The tea sector i

6、s a key driver of socio-economic development,representing a major source of employment and income for millions of families,including in Least Developed Countries(LDCs).One key characteristic of tea is that smallholders are responsible for 60 percent of world production.Over 9 million tea farmers in