Unmanufactured tobacco and refuse market in the United Arab Emirates, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The market for unmanufactured tobacco and refuse in the UAE experienced significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2020. After reaching 101 thousand tons in 2018, volume dropped to 69 thousand tons in 2019. A recovery to 94 thousand tons followed in 2020, coinciding with the introduction of a digital tax stamp system and an excise tax on all tobacco products. These measures, enforced from March and June 2020, aimed to curb illicit trade and ensure product quality, likely channeling more volume into the formal market.

Market volume dipped again to 80 thousand tons in 2021 but then expanded sharply to 115 thousand tons in 2022 and further to 127 thousand tons in 2023. While no specific drivers were recorded for these years, the overall upward trend from 2021 onward reflected sustained demand. By 2024, regulatory developments included the expansion of distinctive marking to shisha tobacco and e‑cigarette cartridges, and the emergence of new players such as Dubai‑based Ababil, a multinational tobacco company specializing in cigarette production and distribution.

Domestic production remained minimal throughout the period, at just 0.2–0.3 thousand tons annually, making imports the dominant supply source. Imports fluctuated but trended upward, reaching 160 thousand tons in 2024, while exports also grew, indicating the UAE's role as a trade hub for unmanufactured tobacco.

Production unmanufactured tobacco and refuse in the United Arab Emirates

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

Following two consecutive years of decline, the United Arab Emirates saw its production volume of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse rebound. In 2020, the country produced 320.0 t, marking a sharp 60.0% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 3.6%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 200.0 t, while the most significant decline occurred in 2018, when production fell by 28.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United Arab Emirates in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports unmanufactured tobacco and refuse from the United Arab Emirates

Exports in kind, K t

The export market demonstrated considerable volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 3.5 K t, which was 2.7 times lower than the peak level recorded in 2017. In 2020, shipments of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse from the United Arab Emirates to international markets amounted to 7.7 K t, representing a substantial 110.4% increase compared to the previous year. The most significant decline occurred in 2018, when exports dropped by 62.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Arab Emirates in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, exports of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse from the United Arab Emirates were distributed across a diverse range of markets rather than being concentrated among a few key destinations. Iran accounted for 15.6% of exports in kind, Iraq for 9.2%, and Vietnam for 8.5%. Together, these three markets represented just 33.3% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from the United Arab Emirates in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

The export market exhibited notable volatility throughout the observed period. The highest export value was recorded in 2017, while the lowest occurred in 2019, creating a fourfold difference between these two years. In 2020, exports of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse from the United Arab Emirates reached 45.5 M $ US, reflecting a significant 177.5% increase compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 16.4 M $ US, and the largest decline took place in 2018, when exports fell by 73.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Arab Emirates in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, unmanufactured tobacco and refuse from the United Arab Emirates were exported to a wide variety of markets. Iran accounted for 18.7% of exports in value terms, the Netherlands for 8.9%, and Iraq for 8.0%. Collectively, these three destinations represented only 35.6% of total export value, while numerous smaller markets accounted for the remaining 64.4%.

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

World map of product's exports from the United Arab Emirates in value, 2017-2020

Imports unmanufactured tobacco and refuse to the United Arab Emirates

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, the United Arab Emirates imported 101.4 K t of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse, showing a dramatic 39.5% year-over-year increase. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 17.3%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 5.5%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 72.7 K t, while the highest occurred in 2018 at 104.5 K t. The most significant decline took place in 2019, when imports fell by 30.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Arab Emirates in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, China, Zimbabwe, and Brazil remained the primary suppliers of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse to the United Arab Emirates. China accounted for 28.5% of imports in kind, Zimbabwe for 19.2%, and Brazil for 17.2%. Together, these three countries formed 64.9% of total import volume.

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

World map of product's imports to the United Arab Emirates in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, cross-border shipments of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse to the United Arab Emirates totaled 281.3 M $ US, equivalent to a 28.1% year-over-year increase. However, over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 9.3%, which translates to an average annual decline of 3.2%. The lowest import value was recorded in 2019 at 219.7 M $ US, while the highest occurred in 2018 at 385.5 M $ US. The most significant decline took place in 2019, when imports fell by 43.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Arab Emirates in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, China, Zimbabwe, and Brazil formed the main cluster of markets for imports in value terms. China accounted for 28.1% of imports in value terms, Zimbabwe for 16.1%, and Brazil for 15.9%. Together, these three countries represented 60.1% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to the United Arab Emirates in value, 2017-2020