Brazilian tobacco exports reach $1.36 billion in 2025, maintaining global lead

Brazilian tobacco exports are expected to continue showing a robust performance in 2025. According to data from the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services (MDIC), the country shipped 206,518 tonnes of tobacco between January and June, generating US$1.36 billion in foreign revenue. The volume represents a 5.77% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Moreover, the increase in export value was even more significant. Foreign sales rose by 9.5% compared to the first six months of last year, when the sector generated US$1.24 billion. With this performance, Brazil is on track to end 2025 as the world’s leading tobacco exporter for the 32nd consecutive year—a position it has held since 1993.

Top destinations for Brazilian tobacco

Brazilian-produced tobacco is exported to more than 100 countries. In the first half of 2025, the main buyers were China, Belgium, the United States, Indonesia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. This scenario reinforces international market confidence in the quality of Brazil’s products.

According to Valmor Thesing, president of the Interstate Tobacco Industry Union (SindiTabaco), that trust is directly linked to the country’s production model. “We rely on the Integrated Tobacco Production System to ensure quality standards and efficiently meet the needs of our international clients,” he said.

Positive outlook for the sector

The industry anticipates closing the year with even stronger results. Consulting firm Deloitte estimates growth of between 10.1% and 15% in Brazilian tobacco exports compared to 2024, which could push the country’s foreign sales past the US$3 billion mark by the end of the year.

In addition, historical averages support this optimism. Over the past decade, Brazil has exported more than 500,000 tonnes of tobacco annually, generating approximately US$2 billion in foreign revenue each year. These figures underscore the sector’s stability and strategic importance to the country’s trade balance.

Here is a historical overview of Brazilian tobacco exports starting from January 2022. The chart was created using DataLiner data:

Brazilian Tobaco Exports | Jan 2022 – May 2025 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Rio Grande do Sul leads national exports

Rio Grande do Sul stands out as the country’s leading exporter of tobacco. In the first six months of 2025 alone, ports in the state shipped 188,300 tonnes of tobacco abroad, generating US$1.2 billion. As a result, tobacco ranked as the top export product for the state, accounting for 12.55% of total exports from Rio Grande do Sul in 2024.

According to Valmor Thesing, the economic significance of tobacco is felt across the state. “The sector has a direct impact on the local economy, driving production chains and promoting development in many rural regions of the state,” he emphasized.

Source: Clic Camaquã

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