The term "tobacco" refers to a variety of plants in the Solanaceae family's genus Nicotiana, as well as any product made from the cured leaves of these plants. The early Americans used tobacco for a long time. Tobacco was brought to Europe by Spain, and as a result, it developed into a highly profitable and traded good that fueled the widespread smoking habit.
Did you know? With an estimated yearly production of 300 million kilograms, India ranks third in the world for tobacco production. However, the Indian tobacco market has experienced significant growth due in large part to rising cigarette consumption. For example, the India cigarette market is expected to grow to US$ 24.1 billion by 2023, according to IMARC. According to tobacco export data from India, the value of all FCV tobacco exports in 2021-2022 was Rs. 2,858 crore (US$ 359 million). In this guide, we will discuss the steps to establish a tobacco export business in India. Along with this, we provide updated insights on tobacco export from India with the necessary documents.
Did you know? Despite the fact that tobacco use has many negative effects on people, its use is growing daily.
It has long been believed that tobacco is a therapeutic herb. It was once used as a traditional medication to treat common illnesses before being made into a smoking material. It's said to have antibacterial, sedative, emetic, purgative, and analgesic properties.
Nicotine has been suggested in recent years for use in hypodermic injections for tetanus and strychnine poisoning. Additionally, the plant is utilized as a source of isoprene units needed to make the cardiac medication UQ-10. Tobacco has been discovered to be effective in veterinary applications as an antibacterial for wound cleansing. Additionally, it may have anticoccidial effects on chickens.
All tobacco products exported from India are obliged by the regulations of the importing country to bear health warnings and markings, as per Section 32 of the COTPA 2003. Ensuring that the items fulfill the legal and health criteria of the intended market is crucial.
Every trader must ensure all mandatory documents before exporting tobacco from India.
Despite its difficulties, the tobacco industry nevertheless makes a significant contribution to the Indian economy. India's position as a key player in the global tobacco market has been cemented by its capacity to produce high-quality tobacco, together with government support and a developed infrastructure.
Did you know? India is a major player in the global tobacco market, known for its high-quality tobacco products and significant exports. The nation is a major player in the worldwide tobacco trade, especially when it comes to the export of unprocessed tobacco. In addition, India's tobacco business is very profitable and leads the world in both production and consumption.
Indian tobacco is exported to various countries across the globe, with major markets including the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and Germany. Additionally, the tobacco industry is supported by the Indian government through programs like the Tobacco Board, which controls and fosters the industry's expansion and export.
Tobacco exports boost India's economy by generating foreign exchange and jobs in rural areas. However, India exports a lot of tobacco due to its high-quality tobacco production, affordable prices, helpful government regulations, and well-developed infrastructure.
Now, analyze the latest insights on tobacco export from India.
After Brazil, India is the world's second-largest tobacco exporter. It exports a wide range of tobacco goods, including unmanufactured tobacco, FCV tobacco, stripped, fully stemmed, cigar cheroots, smoking tobacco, homogenized, flue-cured, sun-cured, extract and essence, and tobacco in general.
Export of tobacco from India |
FCV Tobacco Exports |
Unmanufactured tobacco export from India Statistics |
Tobacco export data |
2021-2022 |
27,742 tons (US$ 359 million) |
- |
US$ 923.80 million |
2022-2023 (till August) |
68,550 tons (US$ 515 million) |
65,682 tons |
US$ 923.80 million |
As per tobacco export data, India exported 68,550 metric tons of FCV tobacco. In August 2022, the total amount of exports was 15,224 tons, valued at US$ 56.21 million.
This is a 192.2% increase over the same period the previous year. In 2021–2022, the total value of tobacco exports from FCV was Rs. 2,858 crore, or US$ 359 million. The nation exported 27,742 tons in that same year.
As per statistics on unmanufactured tobacco export from India, 65,682 tons of unmanufactured tobacco were exported in 2022–2023 (up till August).
In comparison to the same period last year, the exports of unmanufactured tobacco rose by 51% and 14%, respectively, in April and May of 2022.
Over the same period, overall exports were valued at Rs. 4,102 crore, or US$ 515 million. India exported tobacco and tobacco products for a total of US$ 923.80 million in 2021–2022.
India is a significant tobacco product manufacturer and consumer. Here are some of the most popular types:
Please note that tobacco consumption is harmful to health. If you or someone you know is struggling with tobacco addiction, please seek help from a healthcare professional or a support group.
Now, let’s explore the statistics on bidi and cigarette exports from India.
Bidi Export Data |
Details |
Total Shipments |
203 cargoes |
Bidi Exporters in India |
39 |
Number of Indian Buyers |
70 |
India’s bidi export destinations |
Romania, Pakistan, and Nepal |
As per bidi export data, India shipped 203 cargoes of bidi between March 2023 and February 2024 (TTM). Around 39 Indian exporters shipped these goods to 70 purchasers, representing a 74% increase in exports from the previous 12 months.
During this time, nine Bidi export cargoes from India were made in February 2024 alone. This represents 29% sequential growth from January 2024 and -36% year-over-year growth from February 2023.
Also, most of the Bidi exports from India go to Romania, Pakistan, and Nepal. Globally, the top three exporters of Bidi are China, India, and Malaysia. China leads the world in Bidi exports with 7,863 shipments, followed by India with 2,322 shipments, and Malaysia taking the third spot with 1,557 shipments. Also require the most recent statistics on tobacco export from India unmanufactured tobacco export from India, or tobacco export data; connect with our platform today.
Cigarette Export Data |
Details |
Total Shipments |
19,691 shipments |
Cigarette Exporters in India |
766 |
Number of Indian Buyers |
2,525 |
India’s cigrette export destinations |
Brazil, India, and the US |
According to cigarrettes export data, India exported 19,691 shipments of tobacco between March 2023 and February 2024 (TTM). There was a 27% increase in exports from the previous 12 months, with 766 Indian exporters sending goods to 2,525 purchasers.
During this time, 1,565 tobacco export shipments from India were made in February 2024 alone. This is an 11% sequential growth from January 2024 and a 17% year-over-year gain from February 2023. Also, the United States, Nepal, and the United Arab Emirates get the majority of India's tobacco exports.
The top three countries in the world that export tobacco are Brazil, India, and the US. With 113,430 shipments, India is the world's top exporter of tobacco, followed by Brazil (53,451) and the United States (40,130 shipments).
Here is an updated table for the biggest tobacco exporters.
S.no. |
Top tobacco exporting countries |
Tobacco export data(Export value) |
1 |
China |
$9.17 billion |
2 |
Poland |
$5.71 billion |
3 |
Germany |
$3.39 billion |
4 |
Brazil |
$2.72 billion |
5 |
Italy |
$2.46 billion |
6 |
Belgium |
$2.12 billion |
7 |
Romania |
$1.81 billion |
8 |
Indonesia |
$1.74 billion |
9 |
USA |
$1.42 billion |
10 |
India |
$1.34 billion |
So, these are the top tobacco exporting countries. China is considered the biggest tobacco exporter, with an export value of $9.17 billion. However, you can always get in touch with Eximpedia.app if you need up-to-date information on tobacco export from India, tobacco exporters, unmanufactured tobacco export from India, and tobacco HS codes.
Even though exporting tobacco products can be a profitable business, it's important to follow strict laws and moral principles both locally and globally. Here are some necessary steps for tobacco export from India.
Before entering the tobacco export market, traders must conduct thorough market research. They require up-to-date market and trade reports that contain information on tobacco exports, importers and exporters lists, HS codes, port names, and other details. You can easily find all of this pertinent information on Eximpedia.app.
Business registration and setup are the initial steps for the traders, whether you want to set up a sole proprietorship, partnership, or company (private limited or public limited).
It is important to comprehend the legal framework governing tobacco exports in India before beginning the export process.
The trader's final step is to select dependable shipping options (such as land, sea, or air) based on variables like destination, speed, and cost. Furthermore, think about purchasing shipping insurance to protect your goods from potential losses, theft, or damage.
Still, there are strict rules governing the tobacco business, and the market is changing. Starting an export business requires careful planning, including extensive research and keeping up to date on the latest developments.
The process of locating tobacco importers or buyers is quite difficult for traders. One of the best sources of import-export data in India is Eximpedia. It provides 100% genuine, trusted, and reliable market statistics for tobacco products.
Here on our platform, you can easily obtain the statistics on tobacco export from India and the global database for 130+ countries. Along with this, we provide product-wise HS codes, exporters and importers lists, port data, and much more.
Wind Up!
Thus, the tobacco export industry offers profitable business opportunities; however, it is necessary to navigate the complex trading procedures, understand the global market dynamics, and devote resources to sustainable practices and quality control.
By carefully considering these steps to export tobacco from India, you can establish a successful tobacco export business that contributes to India's economy while upholding ethical standards. However, if you have queries related to tobacco export from India, unmanufactured tobacco export from India, tobacco export data, or anything else, connect with our dedicated data experts and schedule a free live demo.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not promote or endorse the use of tobacco products. Tobacco consumption is harmful to your health.
Yes, India exports tobacco and tobacco products to over 100 countries. However, before export of tobacco from India, a number of laws and requirements must be fulfilled, including licenses, market research reports, buyers lists, suppliers lists, etc.
Based on tobacco export data, the biggest exporter of tobacco is China, with an export volume of $9.17 billion.
Cigarettes, cigarettes, Bidis, Hookah, Snus, and e-cigarettes are the common tobacco products in India.
FCV, Burley, and Oriental tobacco are the major exportable types. To know the exact statistics on cigarettes export from India or bidi export from India, connect with Eximpedia.app.
Based on tobacco exporter data, the biggest exporters of tobacco are: China, Poland, Germany, Brazil, and Italy. Also know the exact statistics on the export of tobacco from India here.
Tobacco export from India to Indonesia
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