The export market was insufficient for survival, and so experts turned to research, improving oolong tea techniques, and along with an increase in the appreciation of tea preparation and drinking as an artform, a trend toward-high priced oolong tea took hold across Taiwan.
台灣經濟起飛、國民所得提高，部分農村勞動力外流，造成紅茶產量逐漸下滑，外銷市場也無以為繼，反倒由於台灣茶葉專家精心研究、改良烏龍茶技術，加上飲茶藝術的提升，高價烏龍茶成為最具風味的台灣茶。