Unmanufactured tobacco and refuse market in Melanesia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the market for unmanufactured tobacco and refuse in Melanesia contracted sharply, with total volume falling from 1 116 t to 343 t. This represents a decline of over two-thirds across the period.

The collapse was driven by a simultaneous drop in domestic production and a near-complete halt in imports. Production fell from 579 t to 343 t, while imports plummeted from 833 t to zero, removing a major source of supply.

Exports, which had been significant in 2018 at 296 t, virtually ceased after that year. However, their contribution to the net market size was overshadowed by the drastic reductions in local output and foreign inflows.

Production unmanufactured tobacco and refuse in Melanesia

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

Production of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse in Melanesia has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 494.2 tons, marking a moderate decrease of 6.6% compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production fell by 13.5%, which translates to an average annual decline of 4.7%. The highest output was recorded in 2018 at 578.7 tons. That year also saw the largest increase, albeit a small one, at 1.3%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the steepest drop, with production falling by 8.6%.

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

Exports unmanufactured tobacco and refuse from Melanesia

Exports in kind, t

Exports of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse from Melanesia have decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 0.0 tons, representing a complete 100.0% drop from the year before. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, exports plummeted by 100%, with a compound annual growth rate of -98.5%.

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

From 2017 through 2020, Indonesia and Bangladesh continued to be the primary buyers of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse from Melanesia. Together, they accounted for 13.5% of total exports in volume terms during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market for unmanufactured tobacco and refuse in Melanesia showed significant volatility over the observed years. Volumes reached their peak in 2018 and hit their lowest point in 2020, resulting in a dramatic 60 435-fold shift. In 2020, exports totaled 0.0 thousand US dollars, down by 100.0% compared to the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 672 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 83.6%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Brazil remained the key export partners in value terms. Indonesia accounted for 11.0% of exports, Bangladesh for 2.1%, and Brazil for 0.8%. Combined, these three countries represented 13.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports unmanufactured tobacco and refuse to Melanesia

Imports in kind, t

Melanesia's imports of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse have declined for the third year running. In 2020, imports stood at 199 tons, reflecting a sharp decrease of 56.6% from the prior year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, import volumes fell by 83.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -45.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia were the leading sources for imports in volume terms. Singapore contributed 62.1% of imports, Indonesia 15.9%, and Malaysia 4.4%. Together, these three countries made up 82.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Imports of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse into Melanesia have dropped for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 1 072 thousand US dollars, showing a dramatic reduction of 63.6% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, import values decreased by 82.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -44.4%.

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

During 2017–2020, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia remained the main destinations for imports in value terms. Singapore accounted for 54.7% of imports, Indonesia for 18.7%, and Malaysia for 6.3%. Collectively, these three countries represented 79.7% of total import flows for unmanufactured tobacco and refuse into Melanesia.

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

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