Tea and Tariffs: A Moment to Reflect on the Journey of the Leaf

​Tea is one of life’s quiet pleasures to me — a ritual of comfort, connection, and contemplation. Whether steeped in solitude or shared among friends, each cup offers a moment to pause in our day. Behind this simple joy lies a complex global network of growers, pickers, processors, shippers (truck, train, boat and beyond), and sellers. Tea goes beyond being a beverage; it is a commodity shaped by so many variables from water rights, family farms, international trade, economic policy, and the invisible hands of supply and demand.

At the Tea Guild of Canada’s Tea and Tariffs – Navigating the Impact on the Tea Trade in North America event with Dan Bolton, founder and editor of Tea Journey magazine and the weekly Tea Biz Blog | Podcast, we invited you to explore the delicate and somewhat precarious balance between the enjoyment of tea and the realities of its business. Tariffs, trade agreements, shipping channels and shifting global dynamics can affect everything from the price of your favourite Darjeeling to the availability of a rare Pu’er. These forces ripple through supply chains, impacting livelihoods and altering the flow of goods that many of us take for granted.

It’s easy to forget that every leaf in our teacup has travelled a long way. From the hands of skilled farmers and tea pickers in Assam to the meticulous sorting and packaging in Sri Lanka, tea passes through countless stages before it reaches our shelves. Disruptions—be they political, environmental, or logistical—can halt this journey in an instant. There is no common way of farming or getting your leaves to market as a grower – variances in country commerce practices impact everything from how much the farmer can earn through many channels until it gets in your shopping bag or mailbox. A blocked port, a sudden tariff, or a climate event can reverberate across continents, reminds us of the sudden fragility and interconnectedness of the tea trade.

That is why mindfulness and gratitude are essential. We owe thanks to the farmers who nurture the plants, the workers who harvest and process them, the distributors who navigate complex logistics, and the retailers who bring tea to our communities. These individuals and organizations form the backbone of an industry that supports millions and enriches our lives in quiet, fragrant ways. Recognizing their efforts—even silently, during our first or second sip—is a small but meaningful gesture. I know that I do this with a bowl of rice, thanks to reading a passage by Maya Angelou, and this unexpected economic upheaval with tariffs of late, has me extending it to each cup. As I touch the dried leaves, which I love to do, I nod and extend an inner “thank you” to all involved.
 
As economic discussions have been heightened, and we discuss tariffs and trade, let’s also celebrate the resilience and dedication of those who make tea possible. We can choose to acknowledge that behind every price tag is a story of labour, expertise, and care. It is another opportunity to remember that ethical sourcing, fair trade, and sustainable practices are not just buzzwords—they’re commitments that honour the people behind the product.

As I return to my steaming up of Jin Jun Mei, I savour the aroma, the warmth, the subtle notes that dance across my palate and I am grateful for the effect that sustains me for the rest of the day. Tea, for me, becomes both a pleasure and a reminder—a symbol of global connection and human effort. We can drink tea with awareness, and in doing so we deepen our appreciation not only for the beverage itself, but for the world it represents.
 
Roxanne Higgins
George Brown College Certified Tea Sommelier
Tea Guild of Canada Board Member