Lapsang Souchong black tea flourished in the 17th century. According to the "Tea Chronology" in William H. Ukers' "All About Tea," in 1705, an Edinburgh goldsmith advertised green tea at sixteen shillings per pound and black tea at thirty shillings. The English biographer Mary Delany recorded tea prices at the time, with Bohea (a term for Wuyi tea) ranging from twenty to thirty shillings. Bohea refers to tea produced in the Wuyi Mountains of China's Fujian Province, typically used for the finest Chinese black tea. Due to its rich and unique flavor, Lapsang Souchong black tea was highly popular in the international market and was exported to Britain, the Netherlands, France, and other countries. The seasoned tea master, Englishman Norton, praised it, saying, "Drinking this tea is better than drinking ginseng soup." The renowned 17th-century English poet Lord Byron wrote in his famous poem "Don Juan": "I feel my heart become so full of sympathy, that I must resort to Bohea tea; Too bad, wine is so harmful, for tea and coffee make us more serious." He referred to Lapsang Souchong as Bohea tea, giving it a literary and romantic compliment. Lapsang Souchong black tea has tightly rolled leaves, a dark and glossy appearance, and brews into a rich, red liquor with a long, smoky pine aroma and a mellow taste reminiscent of longan soup. When milk is added, the tea's fragrance remains undiminished, forming a syrupy milk tea with a brilliantly colored liquid. Due to its unique quality characteristics, the special environment of the Tongmu Guan growing area, and the high mountains producing fine tea, along with its distinctive processing techniques, Lapsang Souchong has won the affection of many. For a considerable period, it was a specialty tea enjoyed by the British royal family and European nobility. Even today, its price abroad is quite expensive compared to ordinary black teas. The British and other Europeans often blend it with Indian or Ceylon tea, while Russians commonly mix it with other Chinese black teas or oolong tea.

In the 1870s, it was exported to Europe and America, with an annual output of 24,000 dan. However, due to frequent wars, production gradually declined, and by 1949, its production and sales had nearly ceased. After the 1950s, it was restored and developed, reaching a peak annual output of around 20,000 dan. Lapsang Souchong black tea has now re-emerged with a fresh appearance before domestic and international consumers.

In recent years, the annual output of Lapsang Souchong black tea has reached about 200 tons, with most (95%) exported to Europe and America through the Fujian Tea Import and Export Company, mainly to the United States, Germany, France, Japan, and other countries. Only a small amount is sold in the domestic market. With the improvement in the standard of living in China and the promotion of tea culture, the domestic consumption of organic tea is expected to increase year by year.