EconomyChina dominates global matcha supply, but can Japan protect its premium edge?

Japan has shaped the identity of matcha for centuries through ritual, craftsmanship and the famed tea-growing town of Uji. China, however, has quietly become the world’s largest producer, accounting for about 70 per cent of global output. With international demand surging, the two countries face a growing contest over matcha’s future. The competition pits heritage against scale, and tradition against technology, as both sides seek influence over an expanding market.