China's tea industry transitions from aiding poverty to driving rural growth, says Li Chunsheng at 2025 Global Green Tea event.

In a recent event on Dec. 22, 2025, in Beijing, Li Chunsheng, president of the China Association of Supply and Marketing Cooperative Economics, highlighted the transformation of China's tea industry. Previously a crucial sector for poverty reduction, it is now playing a central role in rejuvenating rural areas. This shift signifies a significant change in focus towards leveraging the potential of tea cultivation for broader economic impact. The statement was made during the 2025 Global Green Tea conference, indicating the growing importance of the tea industry in China's economic landscape. The move underscores a strategic realignment, with the sector now being seen as a key contributor to rural development. This transition marks a notable evolution in the industry's role and showcases a shift towards utilizing tea production as a catalyst for rural revitalization efforts, aligning with broader national development goals.