The problems, causes, and solutions of China’s tea industry

The tea industry is a unique industry with strong comparative advantage in China. The development of the tea industry is of great significance to the structural adjustment of agricultural industry and the elimination of poverty in mountainous areas. Based on the national statistical data of tea farmers and fresh leaf processing factory employees in Hubei and Guizhou Provinces, this study analyzed the main problems and their causes in the development of China’s tea industry from the following perspectives: industry ccapacity, market demand, international competitiveness and brand development, tea production standardization, and Internet penetration rate. Results show that, the main problems include: limited demand, excess capacity, insufficient market competitiveness, small production scale, lack of standardization, loose organizational structure, and low Internet penetration. The causes of these problems include the lack of consumer motivation, supervision, leading enterprises and well-known brands, and green cognition. To realize the sustainable development of China’s tea industry, this paper also provides the following suggestions: clarifying the main responsibilities, strengthening infrastructure construction and brand building, improving marketing network and the green cognition level of tea farmers, and enhancing scientific and technological innovation and transformation.