Here's The Tea: Global shortage means steep prices for Matcha Lovers

Global matcha prices are surging due to poor weather in Japan, rising global demand, labour shortages, and steep US tariffs on imports from Japan and China.

An iced matcha latte is served at Asha Tea House on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Haven Daley) Source: AP / Haven Daley/AP

The Japanese government has been trying to help, offering support to tea growers through funding, equipment - and even counselling, to encourage a shift from regular sencha tea to matcha.

Since 2008, production of tencha, the leaf used to make matcha, has nearly tripled and exports to the US now account for about a third of Japan’s total tea exports.

Now, the world’s love affair with matcha may be tested, at the checkout counter.

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Here's The Tea: Global shortage means steep prices for Matcha Lovers

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