Manufactured tobacco, smoking tobacco and extracts market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Swedish manufactured tobacco market was shaped by the introduction of the Act on Tobacco and Similar Products (SFS 2018:2088) and the implementing EU traceability regulation (EU 2018/574). Stricter health warning requirements covering 65% of cigarette packs and tightened advertising controls introduced in 2019 coincided with a 5% contraction in market volume to 7 435 t. The following year, market volume rebounded by 13% to 8 400 t, a period during which state-owned manufacturers like Svenskt Tobak maintained their dominant position in snus production.

From 2021, a notable shift in consumption patterns emerged with rising demand for nicotine pouches among young adults, a new segment that led authorities to update national health surveys for clearer tracking. In 2022, a 20% excise reduction on snus alongside higher taxes on traditional cigarettes under the national budget provided a direct fiscal incentive for consumers to switch, contributing to a 4.5% increase in market volume to 8 474 t.

The latter part of the period saw the full implementation of the EU-wide traceability and security marking system from 20 May 2024, coupled with increased excise duties on snus and heated tobacco that same year. These regulatory steps, alongside a continued decline in daily cigarette smoking to 5.4% of the population by 2024, were accompanied by a gradual reduction in overall market volume, which settled at 7 742 t in 2024.

Production manufactured tobacco, smoking tobacco and extracts in Sweden

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Sweden's production of manufactured tobacco, smoking tobacco, and extracts has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 871.2 million US dollars, marking a notable 10.1% increase compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 21.3%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 6.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Sweden in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Sweden's production volume of manufactured tobacco, smoking tobacco, and extracts has risen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Sweden produced 12 058 tonnes, showing a robust 12.6% increase from 2019. However, between 2017 and 2020, overall production decreased by 28.7%, averaging an annual decline of 10.7%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 10 238 tonnes, with the largest drop of 39.5% occurring that same year.

Annual dynamics of production in Sweden in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports manufactured tobacco, smoking tobacco and extracts from Sweden

Exports in kind, t

Sweden's exports of manufactured tobacco, smoking tobacco, and extracts have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volume reached 4 155 tonnes, representing a 10.8% advance over 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 61%, with an annualized growth rate of 17.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Sweden in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Norway accounted for the largest share of Sweden's exports in kind at 65.8%, followed by the United States at 11.0% and Switzerland at 7.6%. Together, these three countries comprised 84.3% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Sweden in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Sweden's cross-border shipments of manufactured tobacco, smoking tobacco, and extracts have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports were valued at 440.3 million US dollars, up by 20.4% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 75.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 20.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Sweden in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Norway dominated Sweden's export structure in value terms, holding a 73.2% share of total flows. Other markets contributed smaller, less significant portions.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Sweden in value, 2017-2020

Imports manufactured tobacco, smoking tobacco and extracts to Sweden

Imports in kind, t

Sweden imported 497 tonnes of manufactured tobacco, smoking tobacco, and extracts in 2020, showing a controlled gain of 5.2% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 10.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.4%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 0.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Sweden in kind, 2017-2020, t

Throughout 2017-2020, Denmark concentrated 70.7% of Sweden's total imports in kind, while the remaining volume was distributed among many countries with smaller individual shares.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Sweden in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Sweden's imports of manufactured tobacco, smoking tobacco, and extracts have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 45.5 million US dollars, reflecting a strong 19.6% year-over-year rise. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 57.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 16.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Sweden in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Denmark remained the primary source for Sweden's imports of manufactured tobacco, smoking tobacco, and extracts, accounting for 81.4% of total imports in value terms. The rest was spread across other countries.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Sweden in value, 2017-2020