China's tea exports declined by 2.8 per cent in 2012, as demand from the EU and Japan weakened, a senior official said.
The output reached 1.75 million tonnes last year, with 310,000 tonnes shipped overseas, said Yang Shengjun, vice president of the China Chamber of Commerce of Foodstuffs and Native Produce.
Most of the exports consisted of crude and loose tea, which does not have much added value, the official said.
He said China will work to nurture major tea producers and boost their ability to innovate.
The value of tea exports last year climbed about 8 per cent year on year to a record high of USD 1.04 billion as increased production costs pushed up prices, Yang said.
China's tea exports have reached more than 120 countries and regions worldwide, the official added.
