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Turkish tobacco exports hit $1B for 1st time in 7 years

A close-up of a tobacco plant in Izmir, Türkiye, on June 23, 2025. (AA Photo)
A close-up of a tobacco plant in Izmir, Türkiye, on June 23, 2025. (AA Photo)
June 23, 2025 03:43 PM GMT+03:00

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.

A view of tobacco plants growing in a field in Izmir, Türkiye, on June 23, 2025. (AA Photo)
A view of tobacco plants growing in a field in Izmir, Türkiye, on June 23, 2025. (AA Photo)

Price-driven growth sustains Turkish tobacco's momentum

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 worker at a tobacco processing facility in Izmir, Türkiye, on June 23, 2025. (AA Photo)
A worker at a tobacco processing facility in Izmir, Türkiye, on June 23, 2025. (AA Photo)

Domestic regulation spurs Virginian and Burley production

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.

June 23, 2025 03:43 PM GMT+03:00
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