Feb. 2, 2007 (China Knowledge) – China's tea exports hit a record US$547 million last year, up 12.98% year-on-year based on a total volume of 287,000 tons, according to the China Chamber of Commerce for the Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-Products (CFNA) on Thursday.

CFNA statistics showed that green tea exports surged 6.1% to 219,000 tons worth US$390 million, an 8% year-on-year increase in value.

Exports included 21,000 tons of oolong tea and 31,500 tons of black tea, a total of US$94,330. The trade volume of oolong rose by 15% and black tea by 6.3% over the previous year.

China was the second-largest tea producer in 2005, contributing around one quarter of the global tea production. Morocco, the U.S., Russia and Japan were the major importers.