Central Asia: Tobacco Market 2025

Tobacco Market Size in Central Asia

In 2021, after three years of growth, there was decline in the Central Asian tobacco market, when its value decreased by -2.4% to $X. The total consumption indicated a noticeable increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.2% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption increased by +52.8% against 2017 indices. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2020, and then dropped slightly in the following year.

Tobacco Production in Central Asia

In value terms, tobacco production dropped to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 40%. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X, and then declined in the following year.

Tobacco Exports

Exports in Central Asia

After four years of growth, overseas shipments of tobacco (smoking tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff) decreased by -34.7% to X tons in 2021. In general, exports, however, continue to indicate a significant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 2,124% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2020, and then contracted dramatically in the following year.

In value terms, tobacco exports rose remarkably to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports, however, recorded a significant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when exports increased by 4,303% against the previous year. The level of export peaked in 2021 and is likely to continue growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

In 2021, Uzbekistan (X tons) and Kazakhstan (X tons) were the largest exporters of tobacco (smoking tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff) in Central Asia, together generating 87% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Kyrgyzstan (X tons), achieving an 11% share of total exports. Turkmenistan (X tons) took a little share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Uzbekistan (with a CAGR of +112.4%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Uzbekistan ($X) emerged as the largest tobacco supplier in Central Asia, comprising 71% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Kazakhstan ($X), with a 19% share of total exports. It was followed by Kyrgyzstan, with an 8.6% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Uzbekistan totaled +140.8%. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Kazakhstan (+79.0% per year) and Kyrgyzstan (+51.5% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Central Asia stood at $X per ton in 2021, increasing by 67% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price showed a significant expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 an increase of 98%. The level of export peaked in 2021 and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Uzbekistan ($X per ton), while Kazakhstan ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Kyrgyzstan (+20.0%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Tobacco Imports

Imports in Central Asia

In 2021, the amount of tobacco (smoking tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff) imported in Central Asia skyrocketed to X tons, with an increase of 23% against 2020 figures. In general, imports saw prominent growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 46%. The volume of import peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, tobacco imports soared to $X in 2021. Overall, imports posted a buoyant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when imports increased by 71%. The level of import peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Imports by Country

Kazakhstan represented the largest importer of tobacco (smoking tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff) in Central Asia, with the volume of imports amounting to X tons, which was approx. 81% of total imports in 2021. Uzbekistan (X tons) ranks second in terms of the total imports with a 10% share, followed by Mongolia (6.1%).

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to tobacco imports into Kazakhstan stood at +5.6%. At the same time, Uzbekistan (+28.7%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Uzbekistan emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Central Asia, with a CAGR of +28.7% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Mongolia (-3.5%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2021, the share of Uzbekistan increased by +10 percentage points.

In value terms, Kazakhstan ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported tobacco (smoking tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff) in Central Asia, comprising 80% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Uzbekistan ($X), with a 14% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Kazakhstan amounted to +12.8%. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Uzbekistan (+65.6% per year) and Mongolia (+1.4% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Central Asia stood at $X per ton in 2021, reducing by -3.7% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, showed strong growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when the import price increased by 31%. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton, and then declined modestly in the following year.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Uzbekistan ($X per ton), while Mongolia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Uzbekistan (+28.7%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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