Tobacco leaf trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in tobacco leaf was worth $13.98 billion in 2024, about 2.35 million tonnes. That is an increase of 32% since 2017, and up 11% on 2023.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
World trade by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $13.98B | 2.35M t |
| 2023 | $12.60B | 2.34M t |
| 2022 | $10.93B | 2.36M t |
| 2021 | $10.16B | 2.20M t |
| 2020 | $9.20B | 2.09M t |
| 2019 | $9.82B | 2.21M t |
| 2018 | $10.76B | 2.32M t |
| 2017 | $10.61B | 2.17M t |
Top tobacco leaf exporting countries
Brazil is the largest exporter with 20% of world exports, followed by India and Zimbabwe. The top three supply 40% between them, out of 135 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | $2.79B | 20% |
| India | $1.48B | 11% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.31B | 9.3% |
| United States | $1.05B | 7.5% |
| Belgium | $601.2M | 4.3% |
| China | $580.8M | 4.2% |
| Malawi | $577.3M | 4.1% |
| Tanzania | $500.1M | 3.6% |
| Germany | $414.1M | 3% |
| Argentina | $391.5M | 2.8% |
| Italy | $355.5M | 2.5% |
| Turkey | $347.7M | 2.5% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
China is the biggest buyer with 13% of world imports, ahead of Belgium and Indonesia. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 31% across 172 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.78B | 13% |
| Belgium | $1.67B | 12% |
| Indonesia | $872.8M | 6.3% |
| United States | $727.9M | 5.2% |
| United Arab Emirates | $651.4M | 4.7% |
| Germany | $641.0M | 4.6% |
| Poland | $525.1M | 3.8% |
| Turkey | $519.3M | 3.7% |
| Egypt | $512.7M | 3.7% |
| Dominican Republic | $386.6M | 2.8% |
| Vietnam | $372.1M | 2.7% |
| Russia | $304.0M | 2.2% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $5.95 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $8.92 per kg and China $2.92 per kg, so grade and origin matter.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments worldwide. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in this market?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 2401: Tobacco, unmanufactured; tobacco refuse. HS 2401 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most tobacco leaf?
Brazil exported $2.79 billion in 2024, 20% of the world total, followed by India (11%) and Zimbabwe (9%). In all, 135 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most tobacco leaf?
China imported $1.78 billion in 2024, 13% of world imports, ahead of Belgium (12%) and Indonesia (6%). The top three importers together take 31%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in tobacco leaf?
It was worth $13.98 billion in 2024, about 2.35 million tonnes. That is an increase of 32% since 2017. 2024 was the highest year since 2017. 135 countries reported exports and 172 reported imports.
What is the average price of tobacco leaf per kg?
The world average declared value was about $5.95 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $8.92 per kg and China $2.92 per kg, so grade and origin matter. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so treat it as a benchmark, not a quote.
What is the HS code for tobacco leaf?
The HS code for tobacco leaf is heading 2401, in chapter 24 (tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes; products, whether or not containing nicotine, intended for inhalation without combustion; other nicotine containing products intended for the intake of nicotine into the human body). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 2401 page.
How can I find tobacco leaf buyers and suppliers?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX shows the importers and exporters behind this trade from shipment-level customs records, updated weekly, with direct customs feeds and mirror data. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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