Section 4 recording

Economics of the Tea Trade

You will hear an economics lecturer giving a talk on the global tea trade.

One speaker · North American English · 3:47

In the real test you hear each recording once. Read the questions first, then play it through without pausing.

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Questions 1–7

Complete the notes below. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

Word limit: NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER

Economics of the Global Tea Trade

Structure of Global Production

• Roughly 70% of tea in top exporting nations is grown by independent 1

• Seedlings require three to four years before harvesting can begin

• The largest operational cost for tea producers is 2

Trading and the Value Chain

• Regional auction hubs have replaced London as central marketplaces

• Auction prices are heavily influenced by the sensory findings of 3

• Farmers typically receive only 4 of the price paid on supermarket shelves

Transport and Quality Control

• Storage and shipping facilities must maintain strict 5 controls to prevent mould

Socio-Economic Factors and Outlook

• The main economic advantage of certification schemes for farmers is access to 6

• Agricultural experts recommend income 7 to mitigate market and climate risks

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