Brazil: Tobacco Exports Reach Nearly US$ 3 Billion in 2024

Data released by the Ministry of Development, Industry, and Trade (MDIC/ComexStat) show that Brazil continues its tradition as a major player in the global tobacco market. In 2024, Brazilian tobacco was exported to 113 countries, totaling 455,000 tons and generating US$2.977 billion in revenue. Historically, Brazil has maintained an annual shipment of 500,000 tons and US$2 billion over the past ten years.

According to Valmor Thesing, president of the Interstate Tobacco Industry Union (SindiTabaco), the results were within the volume projections of Deloitte’s consultancy (-15% and -10.1%). Still, global logistical issues affected the value of external sales. Nevertheless, tobacco revenue increased by +9.08%, whereas the study projected growth between +20.1% and 25%.

“Despite all the climatic challenges faced during the 2023/24 harvest—first with drought and then flooding in Rio Grande do Sul—we achieved positive results. We didn’t reach the US$ 3 billion estimated in the study due to global logistical problems. The harvest was produced, processed, and sold but was not entirely shipped within 2024,” commented Thesing. He also noted that recurrent logistical problems have intensified in recent years due to wars and other factors delaying export flows.

Looking ahead, the SindiTabaco executive remains optimistic. “Since Brazil has been the leading exporter since 1993 and there is stable global demand, we have a promising future, provided we keep the Integrated Tobacco Production System strong. Raising awareness among all links in the production chain about phytosanitary aspects, quality, product integrity, and social and environmental responsibility strengthens our sector and is crucial to maintaining our leadership in a competitive global market,” he emphasized.

The European market, historically the top destination for Brazilian tobacco, shared the lead in 2024 with the Far East, accounting for 34% of total shipments. Following them were Africa/Middle East (15%), North America (9%), and Latin America (8%). Belgium, China, and the United States remain the top importing countries. Egypt, Indonesia, and Vietnam followed as major buyers in 2024. Shipments to these six countries accounted for 67% of total exports in dollar value.

Brazilian Tobacco Exports 2024

• US$ 2.977 billion (+9.08%)
• 455,221 tons (-11.10%)

The chart below demonstrates the pace of tobacco exports registered at Brazilian ports between January 2021 and December 2024, according to data from Datamar’s DataLiner.

Tobacco Exports | Jan 2021 – Dec 2024 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Southern Region Tobacco Exports 2024

• US$ 2.884 billion (+8.43%)
• 446,531 tons (-11.59%)

Export Share in 2024

• Brazil: 0.88%
• Southern 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%

Top Importing Countries 2024

• Belgium: US$ 639 million
• China: US$ 585 million
• United States: US$ 255 million
• Egypt: US$ 235 million
• Indonesia: US$ 139 million
• Vietnam: US$ 136 million

Source: Noticias Agrícolas

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