It took approximately 15 years of sustained diplomatic and commercial effort — navigating phytosanitary regulations, cultural unfamiliarity, and the sheer dominance of tea in Chinese beverage culture — but Argentina's campaign to introduce yerba mate to the world's largest tea-consuming nation is beginning to yield measurable results. Environmental journalism platform Dialogue Earth has documented the quiet persistence of Argentine cooperatives and the Instituto Nacional de la Yerba Mate (INYM) in building a market presence that, while still modest, is growing faster than almost any other yerba mate export destination.
Breaking Into the World's Largest Tea Market
According to data from China's General Administration of Customs, China imported nearly 100,000 kilograms of yerba mate in 2021, with approximately 89,000 kilograms originating from Argentina. While these volumes are negligible compared to China's domestic tea production — estimated at 3.2 million metric tons annually — they represent a foothold in a market that industry analysts project will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2% between 2025 and 2035, according to Future Market Insights.
The Cooperative Strategy
Central to Argentina's China strategy has been the Colonia Liebig cooperative, which has positioned yerba mate as a natural energizer — a framing designed to resonate with China's growing health-conscious consumer segment rather than compete directly with traditional Chinese tea culture. The cooperative has participated in trade fairs across China, conducting tasting sessions that introduce the beverage's preparation rituals alongside its functional benefits: caffeine content comparable to coffee, a complex polyphenol profile, and the social dimension of sharing mate.
We are in the initial stages, but consistent marketing efforts are contributing to a growing market share. The Chinese consumer is curious — once they try it, many come back.
Asia-Pacific: The Next Frontier
China's interest in yerba mate sits within a broader Asia-Pacific trend. The region has recorded a 50% growth rate in yerba mate imports in recent years, driven by rising middle-class demand for functional, herbal, and natural beverages. Japan, South Korea, and India have all seen increases in yerba mate product availability, with RTD formats proving particularly effective at introducing the category to consumers unfamiliar with traditional preparation methods.
The global yerba mate market was estimated at approximately $2.4 billion in 2025, with projections suggesting it could reach $4.3 billion by 2035, according to Future Market Insights. If China fulfills even a fraction of its projected growth trajectory, it could become a significant demand driver for Argentine producers — potentially alleviating the oversupply pressures that have depressed domestic farmgate prices in recent years. For now, INYM officials describe the Chinese market as a 'strategic long-term investment' rather than a short-term revenue source.