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China's Tea Market Faces Competition, Threatens Small Shops

4/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

China's tea-drink market, valued at 370 billion yuan (US$54.2 billion), faces price competition that could force thousands of small businesses out.
Robert Zhu, a Shanghai shop owner, says profitability is squeezed by thin margins and high risks.
A ChinaIRN report shows over 400,000 shops contributed to last year's sales, with 6.4% growth from 2024 but a significant decline from the prior two decades' annual growth rate of over 20%.

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Story summary

China's tea-drink market, valued at 370 billion yuan (US$54.2 billion), faces price competition that could force thousands of small businesses out.
Robert Zhu, a Shanghai shop owner, says profitability is squeezed by thin margins and high risks.
A ChinaIRN report shows over 400,000 shops contributed to last year's sales, with 6.4% growth from 2024 but a significant decline from the prior two decades' annual growth rate of over 20%.