The Issue of the Scale of the Russian Tea Market at the beginning of the 20th century

The article studies the changes in the development of tea trade and tea market of the Russian Empire in the early XX century.It draws attention to the fact that by the end of the XIX century Russia became the world's leading exporter of tea.Relying mainly on archival sources, the key role of tea in the system of customs taxation of the Russian Empire and its importance as the main commodity of mass consumption is analyzed.It is emphasized that the main part of tea imported to the Russian Empire, went by sea through the European borders, although during this period imports of tea through the Asian borders increased significantly.The trade involved imported teas from China, India, Ceylon, as well as Russian teas cultivated in the Caucasus.Baih teas supplied from China, where Russian merchants established numerous tea firms, were in great demand.It is noteworthy that Chinese teas were supplied mainly through Hangzhou, the largest port city in the Russian-Chinese tea trade.Over time, imports of Indian and Ceylon teas increased significantly; despite their higher cost, they gradually displaced Chinese teas due to their higher quality.This shift in consumer preferences emphasized the growing demand for Indian and Ceylon teas in the Russian Empire.The article also discusses the emergence of Russian tea plantations in the Caucasus region, which marked the beginning of domestic tea production to supply the empire's inhabitants.On the eve of the October coup of 1917, the Russian Empire strengthened its position as the main consumer and intermediary of tea in the world market.In conclusion, this study highlights the dynamic evolution of the tea market in the Russian Empire, reflecting consumption patterns and their changes, the dynamics of trade with different tea-producing regions, and the emergence of domestic production.