Türkiye’s tobacco sector recorded its highest annual export figures in 7 years, with the total value surpassing $1 billion as of May, according to official data.
The Aegean Exporters’ Association (EIB) reported that total exports reached $1.004 billion, up from $915 million in the same period last year.
Commenting on the figures, Omer Celal Umur, head of the Aegean Tobacco Exporters’ Association, said the export growth was driven not by an increase in volume but by higher average export prices.
He noted that while global cigarette consumption has remained relatively flat, the Turkish sector managed to achieve a 7% revenue increase thanks to pricing improvements. He emphasized that the industry's goal moving forward is to maintain the $1 billion export threshold.
A major factor influencing local production trends has been Türkiye’s regulatory requirement mandating a minimum 30% domestic tobacco content in all cigarettes produced in the country starting in 2025. This regulation has led to a notable increase in the cultivation of large-leaf varieties, particularly Virginia and Burley tobacco.
Of the country’s total 73 million kilograms (160.9 million pounds) of tobacco production, 30 million kilograms now come from these large-leaf types. While currently reserved for domestic use, Umur pointed out that as the quality of this production improves, it is likely to contribute to export volumes as well. He added that this shift is expected to drive up overall production, potentially reaching 80 million kilograms by the end of 2025.