In the nineteenth century, the fate of China has been closely tied to the transaction of tea and opiumTherefore, it is very important to have a closer look at the relationship between the transaction of tea and opiumThe two commodities are closely linked to each other in that they are both addictive consumer goods made by intensive production to meet the market demand and the trade of two commodities are controlled by BritainHowever, the two commodities have obvious differencesThey are produced in different places, and differ in the way of production, mode of trade and target consumer in later periodIn the fierce competition in modern times, China has been in a disadvantageous positionIt cannot be denied that it was the tragedy of nation, since the transaction of tea lost its market despite of its broad market prospectsBy contrast, the transaction of opium, which endangered the national destiny and future, became more popular.