Unmanufactured tobacco and refuse market in Jamaica

Earlier Report Observations

The Jamaican unmanufactured tobacco market experienced gradual growth from 1 676 metric tons in 2018 to 1 708 metric tons in 2020. This expansion occurred despite a documented reduction in tobacco cultivation area, which had fallen by 19.4% compared to 2010, constraining domestic production potential. Concurrently, the implementation of World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) measures, including graphic health warnings and a 38.8% total tax rate on cigarettes, introduced regulatory headwinds for tobacco demand.

Market volume contracted to 1 661 metric tons in 2021, influenced by the persistence of strict regulations such as the ban on tobacco and e-cigarette sales to minors under 18. By 2022, domestic production was reported at approximately 1.6 thousand metric tons, reflecting a 9.5% decline from 2010 levels as cultivated area shrank to 750 hectares. The same year saw illicit cigarette trade reach 71.9% of the market, creating substantial competition for the legal supply chain. These factors contributed to a period of stabilization, with the market size settling at 1 666 metric tons in 2023.

For 2024, regulatory measures under the FCTC remained in force, while imports of unmanufactured tobacco rose to 86 metric tons, indicating continued external supply amid a constrained local production environment.

Production unmanufactured tobacco and refuse in Jamaica

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse, 2017-2020

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

Jamaica's production of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 1 705 tonnes, marking a 1.1% year-on-year increase. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 5%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.6%.

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

Exports unmanufactured tobacco and refuse from Jamaica

Exports in kind, kg

The export market for unmanufactured tobacco and refuse from Jamaica showed significant volatility during this period. In 2018, exports hit their lowest point at just 3 kg, but then surged to 27 kg in 2019—an 800% increase. However, by 2020, exports dropped sharply to 11 kg, a 59.3% decline from the previous year. Overall, exports varied by a factor of 9 between the high in 2019 and the low in 2018, with the largest decline of 87.3% occurring in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Jamaica in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Nicaragua were the primary buyers of Jamaica's unmanufactured tobacco and refuse, together accounting for 92.3% of total exports by volume. Other destinations each held relatively small shares.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values for unmanufactured tobacco and refuse from Jamaica experienced notable fluctuations. In 2018, the value reached its lowest point at 0.1 thousand US dollars, but rebounded to 0.9 thousand US dollars in 2020, a 70.4% increase from the year before. The peak occurred in 2017, with values 59 times higher than the 2018 low. The largest decline of 98.3% was recorded in 2018, while the largest increase of 481.1% took place in 2019.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Nicaragua dominated Jamaica's exports of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse in value terms, representing 76.9% of the total. The remaining exports were spread across a diverse group of smaller countries.

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

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

Imports unmanufactured tobacco and refuse to Jamaica

Imports in kind, kg

Imports of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse into Jamaica were volatile over the observed period. In 2020, imports fell to their lowest level, decreasing by 87.5% from the previous year. The peak was in 2017, with imports 20 times higher than the 2020 trough. The largest increase of 92.4% was recorded in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Jamaica in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, the main sources for Jamaica's imports of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse by volume were the United States (58.1%), Zimbabwe (19.8%), and Vietnam (13.5%). Together, these three countries made up 91.4% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Jamaica's import value for unmanufactured tobacco and refuse declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 24.5 thousand US dollars, down 41.1% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports dropped by 86.7%, with an average annual decline of 48.9%.

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

During 2017-2020, the United States (40.1%), Zimbabwe (18.3%), and Honduras (17.3%) were the leading sources of Jamaica's imports of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse by value. Combined, they accounted for 75.7% of total import flows.

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

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