Global demand for matcha continues to grow rapidly, driven by rising popularity in beverages, culinary applications, and health-focused products. While China has become the world’s dominant producer by volume, offering low-cost matcha for commercial manufacturing, Japan remains focused on high-grade ceremonial matcha. Japanese producers rely on traditional shade-growing techniques, stone-milling processes, and strict quality standards to maintain their market leadership in the premium segment despite rising international competition and domestic labor constraints.
- China produces the largest share of the global matcha supply, catering primarily to mass-market food production and price-sensitive consumers.
- Japan maintains its advantage in high-end markets through ceremonial-grade standards, specialized shade-cultivation methods, and established brand reputation.
- Global consumption of matcha has expanded significantly beyond East Asia into Western markets, boosting export demand for both commercial and premium grades.
- Japanese tea producers face operational challenges, including higher production costs, limited land availability, and an aging agricultural workforce.
- Efforts to protect Japan’s market edge include emphasizing geographic origin, preserving traditional processing techniques, and expanding international marketing.
Based in Singapore, CNA (Channel News Asia) covers global developments with an Asian perspective, with correspondents based in major cities across Asia, including Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Bangkok, Tokyo, Seoul and Beijing, as well as in New York, Washington D.C. and London.
Official website: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/
Original video here.
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I want to inject it straight into my veins
Matcha is originated from Chyna. Kamikazes stole the creation and claimed it as their own.
Knowing China, they will start to mix flour, powndered green paint to give more volume…
I find it interesting that you have a Japanese as a CNA correspondent in Japan but a Singaporean as a CNA correspondent in China. Mind to explain? Is it as simple as you can’t find a Japanese speaking Singaporean to be placed in Japan or there is something deeper that deserves a documentary on its own?
Also, wouldn’t a Chinese nationality CNA correspondent be more suitable to speak for China?
That's stupid topic, did American shape the current pizza? Yes, but does Italy still claim authenticity? Of cos! They both do, just for different clientele. What's the controversy?
Matcha taste alike.
Premium products will alway charge you double and tell you it taste better and silkier and more exclusive.
I wouldn’t pay premium prices unlike I can taste the superior quality and taste.
Right now , Japanese matcha is only slightly better.
Chinese matcha is garbage…contains deadly chemicals
Chinese never plan to dominates or compete , they just want work very hard for their family to have better life.
Chinese culture ..
CCP: “We don't have matcha. Make a copy right away.” COPYCAT LOL
But how is the quality?