Unmanufactured tobacco and refuse market in the United States, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The U.S. market for unmanufactured tobacco and refuse saw considerable fluctuations in volume from 2018 to 2023. Domestic production fell from 241.9 thousand tons to 194.5 thousand tons, a decline anchored in the long-term contraction of the country's tobacco farming sector, where the number of farms plummeted from over 93,000 in the late 1990s to about 3,000 by 2022, steadily reducing the raw material base.

Regulatory pressure and shifting consumer behavior were primary demand-side drivers. Continuous enforcement of laws limiting smoking in public places curbed consumption, contributing to a sharp market drop to 179.7 thousand tons in 2020 amid heightened health awareness and diminishing social acceptance. A rebound to 231.4 thousand tons occurred in 2021, fueled by the aggressive marketing of novel products like cigars and next-generation items, alongside behavioral factors such as stress and anxiety that drove usage.

Throughout the period, marketing tactics and retail channel changes provided countervailing forces. Price discounting by major cigarette companies remained a core strategy to sustain consumer purchases. Simultaneously, the retail landscape shifted as some chains discontinued tobacco sales while others entered, altering product accessibility. Despite these efforts, the overall market size continued its downward path, reaching 196.7 thousand tons by 2023, reflecting the persistent impact of regulation and a gradual consumer shift toward alternative nicotine products.

Production unmanufactured tobacco and refuse in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States ranked fourth globally in the production of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse.

Top producers of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse, 2017-2020

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

The United States saw its production of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse decline for the third year in a row. In 2020, production stood at 169.1 thousand tons, marking a significant 20.3% drop compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 47.5%, which translates to an annualized decrease of 19.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse production in the United States continued to fall for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 1 202 million US dollars, representing a 21.6% year-over-year reduction. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 46.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -18.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports unmanufactured tobacco and refuse from the United States

Exports in kind, K t

Export volumes of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse from the United States dropped for the third straight year. In 2020, exports totaled 97.8 thousand tons, reflecting a gradual 6.6% contraction from the year before. Over the 2017-2020 span, exports declined by 38.6%, with a CAGR of -15.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States' export destinations for unmanufactured tobacco and refuse were highly diversified. Switzerland accounted for 22.0% of exports in kind, Mexico for 11.3%, and the Dominican Republic for 9.5%, together making up 42.8% of total flows. The remaining 57.2% was spread across numerous smaller partner countries.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse exports from the United States fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 695 million US dollars, an 8.1% decline compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 37.5%, equating to an annualized rate of -14.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States had a broad portfolio of buyers for unmanufactured tobacco and refuse in value terms. Switzerland contributed 23.5% of export value, the Dominican Republic 13.4%, and China 8.9%, together accounting for 45.7% of total exports. Many other countries held smaller but notable shares.

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

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

Imports unmanufactured tobacco and refuse to the United States

Imports in kind, K t

Import volumes of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse into the United States declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 108.3 thousand tons, indicating an 18.5% loss over the past year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 19.7%, with a CAGR of -7.1%. The peak was recorded in 2018 at 135.7 thousand tons, with the largest increase that year at 0.6%.

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

During 2017-2020, Brazil, Turkey, and Canada were the main sources for unmanufactured tobacco and refuse imports into the United States in kind. Brazil accounted for 34.6% of imports, Turkey for 11.1%, and Canada for 10.6%, together forming 56.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The value of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse imports into the United States fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 465 million US dollars, a 20.2% drop compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 29.8%, with an annualized rate of -11.1%. The highest value was in 2018 at 688 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 3.9%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Brazil, Turkey, and Canada played leading roles in the value of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse imports into the United States. Brazil accounted for 33.3% of import value, Turkey for 18.7%, and Canada for 9.1%, jointly taking 61.1% of total flows.

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

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