Tobacco exports could exceed US$3 billion by 2025

Brazilian tobacco exports are expected to exceed US$3 billion by the end of 2025, according to a survey conducted by the consulting firm Deloitte among companies associated with the Interstate Tobacco Industry Union (SindiTabaco). The survey points to volumes 15,1% to 20% higher than in 2024 and the prospect of values ​​between 2,1% and 6% higher than last year's total, when the sector's exports generated US$2,977 billion in foreign currency.

According to data consolidated by MDIC/ComexStat (Data System of the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services), from January to September, exports totaled 376.907 tons, 19,23% more than the same period last year. Foreign exchange earnings totaled US$2.354.449 billion, 16,22% more than the same period in 2024.

Thus, Brazil is expected to once again close the year as the world leader in tobacco exports, now for the 33rd consecutive year, confirming the position held since 1993. Data from MDIC/ComexStat also show that, from January to September, the main destinations for Brazilian tobacco were, in order: Belgium, China, Indonesia, the United States, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

According to Valmor Thesing, president of SindiTabaco, the industry relies on the efficiency of the Integrated Tobacco Production System to maintain the quality and integrity of the Brazilian product, which is shipped to over 100 countries every year. "These figures reflect the success of the good harvest sold to producers and exceed the historical average of 500 tons and US$2 billion in foreign currency generated annually over the last decade," he states.

Status of shipments to the United States

In 2024, almost 9% of Brazilian tobacco—40 tons priced at US$255 million—was shipped to the United States. This year, from January to August, 28 tons were shipped, generating US$173 million. "We shipped what we could until August, when the additional tariff came into effect, but we still have 12 tons of processed and marketed tobacco whose shipments are suspended. We expect to have a solution to this issue in the coming months, otherwise we risk future problems in the fields and in the industries," comments Thesing.

Port logistics raises alarm

Tobacco exports in 2025 could be impacted by shipping delays at the Port of Rio Grande, where more than 90% of Brazilian tobacco is shipped. New rules recently announced by Tecon (Container Terminal) have reduced the timeframe for containers to enter the terminal, forcing exporting companies to find storage spaces until shipment is cleared. However, available space is becoming increasingly competitive, resulting in a significant increase in storage costs.

According to Valmor Thesing, some SindiTabaco members report that tobacco containers have been stuck at Tecon for more than 40 days. "Most terminals along the Brazilian coast are well above their operational capacity, with several of them having few berthing windows and congested piers.

Another recurring problem is the high number of ship calls canceled at Tecon by shipping lines, resulting in delayed shipments and a massive backlog of containers in the terminal yard. "Canceled calls also result in a reduced supply of empty containers to exporters, which has been a long-standing problem," reports Thesing.

From the field to the world

Of the 1.191 municipalities in the Southern Region of Brazil, 525 produced tobacco in the 2024/25 harvest: 206 in Rio Grande do Sul, 188 in Santa Catarina, and 131 in Paraná. According to Afubra, 720 tons were produced in the 2024/2025 harvest, generating approximately R$14,58 billion for integrated producers.