Tobacco Exports Expected to Grow Up to 15% in 2025, Boosting Brazil’s Agribusiness

Brazil’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 1.4% from January to March 2025 compared to the last quarter of 2024, according to data released at the end of May by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE).

The positive GDP performance was largely driven by the agricultural sector, which expanded by 12.2% during the period, according to the Ministry of Finance.
Among the main contributors to this growth, tobacco stood out with a 25.2% increase, according to the Systematic Survey of Agricultural Production (LSPA). Other notable crops included soybeans (up 13.3%), rice (up 12%), and corn (up 11.8%).

Agribusiness accounts for approximately 6% of Brazil’s GDP, considering only primary production. However, when including related industrial, commercial, and service activities, this share rises to 23%, according to the Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock (CNA).

Brazilian Tobacco is a Global Benchmark and Generates Thousands of Jobs
Valmor Thesing, president of the Tobacco Industry Union (SindiTabaco), highlighted Brazil’s leading position in the global market. “We have been global leaders in tobacco exports for over 30 years and are the second-largest producer in the world, behind only China,” he said. The tobacco production chain employs approximately 626,000 people in rural areas and exports to more than 100 countries.

Below is a historical overview of tobacco exports. The chart was prepared using DataLiner data:

Tobacco Exports | Jan 2022 – Apr 2025 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Export Revenues Expected to Surpass US$ 3 Billion in 2025
The tobacco sector is projected to close out in 2025, with exports exceeding US$3 billion. A study by Deloitte estimates a growth of between 10% and 15% in export volume compared to 2024. By May, exports had already reached US$ 1.1 billion.

Tobacco’s strong performance underscores its importance to Brazil’s agribusiness sector and highlights its potential to generate employment and income, as well as contribute significantly to the country’s trade balance.

Source: Portal do Agronegócio

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