Comparison
Last updated:
Oolong vs black tea
Oolong and black tea sit on the same side of the tariff line — both are fermented or partly fermented under heading 0902 — and both are Fujian categories. The difference is oxidation and roast. Black tea is withered, rolled and fully oxidised before drying; oolong is bruised, partly oxidised, fixed, rolled and then roasted to a specified level. Fujian ships two thirds of China's oolong exports and invented black tea at Tongmu.
| Oolong | Black tea | |
|---|---|---|
| Oxidation | Partial | Full |
| Roast | Unroasted to charcoal — specified per contract | None as a rule |
| Fujian names | Tie Guan Yin, Da Hong Pao, Rou Gui, Shui Xian | Lapsang Souchong, Jin Jun Mei, Tanyang Gongfu |
| Fujian origins | Anxi, Wuyishan | Tongmu, Fu'an |
| Liquor | Amber | Red amber |
| Fujian export 2023 | 13,500 t · USD 143 m · 46.76% of value | USD 28.05 m · 9.18% of value |
| National standing | Fujian ships two thirds of China's oolong exports | Fujian second in China |
| Destinations | Russia, Japan, United States | Uzbekistan, where black tea more than doubled year-to-date in 2025 by an industry count |
| HS heading | 0902.40 bulk · 0902.30 ≤ 3 kg | 0902.40 bulk · 0902.30 ≤ 3 kg |
Which earns more per tonne?
Oolong, in Fujian's book. Fujian's 2023 oolong exports of 13,500 tonnes for USD 143 million work out near USD 10,600 per tonne, against a national all-tea export average of USD 3,691.2 per tonne in 2025. Black tea was 9.18% of Fujian's export value at USD 28.05 million.
What must the contract state that green tea contracts do not?
Roast level for oolong — unroasted, light, medium or charcoal — and smoke for Lapsang Souchong, which is produced smoked and unsmoked. Both change the cup completely and neither is implied by the grade name.
Frequently asked
Is oolong a black tea?
No. Oolong is partly oxidised; black tea is fully oxidised. They share HS subheadings 0902.30 and 0902.40 because the tariff only distinguishes fermented from unfermented.
Where was black tea invented?
Tongmu, inside the Wuyishan area of Fujian. Lapsang Souchong is the first black tea on record.
Which Fujian oolong is most exported?
Tie Guan Yin from Anxi carries the volume; Wuyishan rock oolongs carry the top of the price range.
Which works better with milk, oolong or black tea?
Black tea is often chosen because a brisk, full-bodied grade can remain clear after milk is added. A roasted or robust oolong can also work, but delicate floral styles may be covered. Test the exact tea, milk ratio and serving temperature; the category name alone cannot predict performance in a finished drink.
Does oolong or black tea contain more caffeine?
Neither category is always higher. Cultivar, leaf grade, harvest, dose, water temperature and infusion time can matter more than the label oolong or black. Use the same brewing conditions for a fair cup comparison. If a declared value is required, test the relevant product and lot with an agreed method.
Next step
Deciding between Oolong and Black tea?
Send the destination and the quantity. ODM Tea answers with the one that fits and the clauses that go with it.