Tobacco exports to reach nearly $3 billion in 2024

The figures released by the Ministry of Development, Industry and Commerce (MDIC/ComexStat) indicate that Brazil continues to maintain its tradition of being a major player in the global tobacco market. In 2024, Brazilian tobacco was exported to 113 countries: 455 thousand tons generated foreign exchange of US$ 2,977 billion. On average, Brazil has maintained an annual shipment of 500 thousand tons and US$ 2 billion over the last ten years.

According to the president of the Interstate Tobacco Industry Union (SindiTabaco), Valmor Thesing (pictured), the result was within the volume forecast by the consulting firm Deloitte (-15% and -10,1%), but the value of foreign sales was affected by global logistical issues. Even so, tobacco saw a +9,08% increase in foreign exchange, when the forecast by the survey was between +20,1% and 25%.

“Despite all the climate issues faced in the 2023/24 harvest, first with the drought and then with the flooding that occurred in Rio Grande do Sul, we achieved a very positive performance. We did not reach the US$ 3 billion estimated by the research due to a global logistical problem. The harvest was produced, processed, marketed and ended up not being fully shipped within 2024”, commented Thesing, remembering that logistical problems are recurrent, but in recent years there has been an intensification due to wars and other factors that delay the export flow.

For the future, the SindiTabaco executive is optimistic. “Based on the premise that Brazil has been the largest exporter since 1993 and that there is stable global demand, we have a promising future as long as we maintain a strong Integrated Tobacco Production System. Raising awareness among all links in the production chain about phytosanitary, quality, product integrity, social and environmental responsibility aspects strengthens our sector and is very important for us to remain leaders in a competitive global market,” he emphasizes.

The European market, which has historically held the lead among the main destinations for Brazilian tobacco, was joined by the Far East in 2024, both with 34% of total shipments. Next comes Africa/Middle East (15%), North America (9%) and Latin America (8%). Belgium, China and the United States remain in the ranking of the main importers. Egypt, Indonesia and Vietnam appear next in the ranking of the largest in 2024. The amount shipped to the six countries represents 67% of the total exported in dollars in the period.

Brazilian exports 2024                       

US$2.977.411 billion (+9,08%)                          

455.221 tons (- 11,10%)

Exports South Region 2024

US$ US$ 2.884.599 billion (+ 8,43%)

446.531 tons (-11,59%)

Export share 2024

- Brazil: 0,88%

- South Region: 5,08%

- Rio Grande do Sul: 12,55%

- Santa Catarina: 1,18%

Brazilian Tobacco Markets – 2024:

- European Union/Other Europe/Eastern Europe: 34%

- Far East: 34%

- Africa/Middle East: 15%

- North America: 9%

- Latin America: 8%

Main importing countries 2024

1. Belgium ($639 million)
2. China ($585 million)
3. United States ($255 million)
4. Egypt ($235 million)
5. Indonesia ($139 million)
6. Vietnam ($136 million)