Unmanufactured tobacco and refuse market in Cuba

Earlier Report Observations

The volume of Cuba's unmanufactured tobacco market fell from 29 597 t in 2018 to 12 751 t in 2023. This sustained decline was primarily driven by the enforcement of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and MPOWER measures, which reduced consumption of tobacco products and consequently lowered demand for raw leaf. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further disrupted production and enforcement activities, accelerating the contraction.

Structural factors also contributed to the market's downward trend. Tobacco production in Cuba is dominated by a state monopoly of five state-owned or mixed enterprises. By 2024, a shortage of non-tobacco raw materials and significant difficulties in cultivation—exemplified by planting areas in Sancti Spíritus reaching only 35% of planned targets—severely limited output. In response, authorities raised import tariffs on tobacco and cigars to shield domestic production from foreign competition, highlighting the sector's ongoing challenges.

Production unmanufactured tobacco and refuse in Cuba

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Cuba maintained the 22nd position globally in terms of production volume for unmanufactured tobacco and refuse.

Top producers of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse, 2017-2020

World map of production of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse, 2017-2020

Cuba's production of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 25 780 tonnes, marking a 9.8% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 16.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.8%.

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

Exports unmanufactured tobacco and refuse from Cuba

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Cuba's exports of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse amounted to 831 tonnes, reflecting a 28.1% drop from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 23.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -8.6%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 154 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 13.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Philippines, Bulgaria, and Germany were the top destinations for Cuba's exports of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse in volume terms. The Philippines accounted for 26.8% of exports, Bulgaria for 22.3%, and Germany for 20.6%, together making up 69.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Cuba's exports of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse in value terms reached 6 099 thousand US dollars in 2020, a 2.7% decline from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 14.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.1%. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 13.1%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 1.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Philippines, Germany, and Bulgaria were the main markets for Cuba's exports of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse in value terms. The Philippines represented 53.2% of exports, Germany 12.5%, and Bulgaria 9.5%, collectively accounting for 75.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports unmanufactured tobacco and refuse to Cuba

Imports in kind, t

Cuba's imports of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 303 tonnes, a 2.1% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 33.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -12.6%. The peak import volume was in 2018 at 616 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 35.6%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 49.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Brazil was the leading source for Cuba's imports of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse in volume terms, accounting for 53.9% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Cuba's imports of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 2 478 thousand US dollars, a sharp reduction of 32.1% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 31.2%, equating to an annualized rate of -11.7%. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 4 618 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 28.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil remained the key source for Cuba's imports of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse in value terms, representing 19.1% of total import flows.

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

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