Brazilian Tobacco Exports Hit Record in 2025

Brazil recorded its highest-ever tobacco export value in 2025, consolidating its leadership position in the international market. According to data from the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services (MDIC), based on the ComexStat system, foreign sales totaled US$ 3.38 billion, up 13.85% from 2024, when exports reached US$ 2.97 billion.

The performance even surpassed the previous record set in 2012, when the country reached US$ 3.27 billion.

In 2025, Brazil exported 561,000 tonnes of tobacco to 121 countries, a 23.23% increase compared to the 455,200 tonnes shipped the previous year.

The following chart details the monthly export volumes of unmanufactured tobacco from Brazil, tracked from January 2023 through January 2026, according to Datamar data:

Tobacco Exports | Jan 2023 – Jan 2026 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Despite the strong rise in volume, revenue grew more slowly. The difference is explained by a reduction in the average price per tonne. In 2024, the average value stood at approximately US$ 6,540 per tonne, while in 2025 it fell to around US$ 6,040 — an estimated decline of 7.6%.

According to Valmor Thesing, president of the Interstate Tobacco Industry Union (SindiTabaco), the figures demonstrate consistent growth, albeit with market adjustments. “We sold more, but at a lower average value,” he noted.

Global Leadership

The performance reinforces Brazil’s position as the world’s largest tobacco exporter, a leadership role it has maintained since 1993. Over the past five years, the country has posted annual average shipments of around 515,000 tonnes and approximately US$ 2.6 billion in revenue.

According to SindiTabaco, this stability is directly linked to the Integrated Tobacco Production System, a model supported by Brazil’s Integration Law, which regulates contracts between industry and producers, defining volumes, product types, and technical management guidelines.

The integration system aligns planting with global demand, both in quantity and quality, ensuring the competitiveness of Brazilian tobacco in the international market.

Europe Leads Among Destinations

In 2025, Europe remained the main destination for Brazilian tobacco, accounting for 41% of export value. The Far East represented 36% of shipments. Africa/Middle East accounted for 8%, while North America and Latin America each represented 6%. Eastern Europe completed the list with 3%.

Brazil’s Southern Region, responsible for 96% of national tobacco production, led foreign sales. In 2025, shipments through the ports of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and Paraná totaled 555,200 tonnes — 24.34% higher than in 2024.

In terms of revenue, exports from the region reached US$ 3.31 billion, a 14.91% annual increase, representing 98% of all Brazilian export earnings from tobacco during the period.

The result underscores the sector’s strategic importance to Brazil’s trade balance and to the Southern Region’s economy, which remains the country’s main tobacco production and export hub.

Source: CNN

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