Unmanufactured tobacco and refuse market in Northern America

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the unmanufactured tobacco market in Northern America contracted sharply, with volume falling from 264 thousand tons to 195.7 thousand tons. This was largely due to a structural decline in U.S. tobacco farming, where the number of farms dropped from over 93 000 in 1997 to around 3 000 by 2022, reducing domestic production capacity.

The market rebounded to 227.8 thousand tons in 2021 but faced renewed pressure in 2022. Shifting consumer preferences in the United States toward novel products like cigars and next-generation tobacco items dampened demand for raw tobacco. Concurrently, extensive price discounting by cigarette companies—reaching $5.7 billion in 2022—along with federal and state laws restricting public smoking further constrained consumption.

By 2023, market volume reached 214.1 thousand tons, reflecting a moderated decline. U.S. marketing strategies increasingly focused on brand loyalty and smoke-free alternatives, while global climate factors such as droughts and irregular rainfall began affecting tobacco yields, introducing supply-side volatility.

Production unmanufactured tobacco and refuse in Northern America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse, 2017-2020

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

Northern America's production of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 196.9 thousand tonnes, marking an 18.0% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 43.7%, which translates to an average annual decline of 17.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern America in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse production in Northern America has dropped for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 1 039 million US dollars, down 14.4% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 44.9%, with an average annual rate of decline of 18.0%.

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

Exports unmanufactured tobacco and refuse from Northern America

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Northern America exported 8 733 tonnes of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse, a 39.7% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 49.1%, averaging a 20.2% annual decline. The only notable increase occurred in 2019, when exports rose by 1.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates were the top destinations for Northern America's unmanufactured tobacco and refuse exports by volume. China accounted for 8.9% of exports, Germany for 2.7%, and the UAE for 2.3%, together making up 14.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Northern America's exports of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse in value terms have declined for the third year running. In 2020, exports totaled 46 075 thousand US dollars, a sharp 37.1% drop from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 50.2%, with an average annual decline of 20.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China, the United Arab Emirates, and Germany remained the leading buyers of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse from Northern America by value. China represented 15.7% of exports, the UAE 3.6%, and Germany 1.5%, collectively accounting for 20.8% of total export value.

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

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

Imports unmanufactured tobacco and refuse to Northern America

Imports in kind, t

Northern America imported 7 491 tonnes of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse in 2020, a 28.1% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 26.6%, with an average annual decline of 9.8%. Imports peaked in 2019 at 10 424 tonnes, which was also the year with the largest increase at 20.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Northern America sourced unmanufactured tobacco and refuse from a diverse range of markets. Brazil, Argentina, and China were the top suppliers by volume, with Brazil accounting for 15.1% of imports, Argentina for 8.7%, and China for 6.8%. Together, they made up 30.6% of total imports, while numerous smaller destinations contributed the remaining 69.4%.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Imports of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse into Northern America have decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import value reached 41 524 thousand US dollars, down 26.1% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports declined by 35.5%, with an average annual rate of decrease of 13.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Northern America's imports of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse in value terms were spread across many partner countries. Brazil, Argentina, and India were the leading suppliers, with Brazil accounting for 14.9% of imports, Argentina for 6.7%, and India for 6.2%. Together, they represented just 27.9% of total import flows.

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

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