Central Asia: Unmanufactured Tobacco Market 2025

Unmanufactured Tobacco Market Size in Central Asia

In 2022, the Central Asian unmanufactured tobacco market was finally on the rise to reach $X after two years of decline. Over the period under review, consumption, however, saw a slight descent. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Unmanufactured Tobacco Production in Central Asia

In value terms, unmanufactured tobacco production fell to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production faced a deep contraction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when the production volume increased by 33% against the previous year. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2014 to 2022, production growth failed to regain momentum.

The countries with the highest volumes of production in 2022 were Uzbekistan (X tons), Turkmenistan (X tons) and Kazakhstan (X tons), with a combined 88% share of total production.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Turkmenistan (with a CAGR of +0.4%), while production for the other leaders experienced a decline in the production figures.

The average unmanufactured tobacco yield dropped to X tons per ha in 2022, shrinking by -4.3% compared with the year before. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +3.7% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when the yield increased by 32%. Over the period under review, the unmanufactured tobacco yield attained the maximum level at X tons per ha in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, the yield failed to regain momentum. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

The unmanufactured tobacco harvested area rose modestly to X ha in 2022, increasing by 3.6% on the previous year. Overall, the harvested area, however, faced a abrupt descent. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to unmanufactured tobacco production reached the maximum at X ha in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the harvested area remained at a lower figure.

Unmanufactured Tobacco Exports

Exports in Central Asia

In 2022, shipments abroad of tobacco (unmanufactured) increased by 180% to X tons, rising for the second year in a row after three years of decline. In general, exports continue to indicate a remarkable increase. As a result, the exports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, unmanufactured tobacco exports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports recorded a moderate increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 452%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs in 2022 and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Uzbekistan (X tons) and Kazakhstan (X tons) represented roughly 89% of total exports in 2022. It was distantly followed by Kyrgyzstan (X tons), creating an 11% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main exporting countries, was attained by Kazakhstan (with a CAGR of +14.0%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the exports figures.

In value terms, Uzbekistan ($X) remains the largest unmanufactured tobacco supplier in Central Asia, comprising 67% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Kazakhstan ($X), with a 30% share of total exports.

In Uzbekistan, unmanufactured tobacco exports expanded at an average annual rate of +11.5% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Kazakhstan (+10.1% per year) and Kyrgyzstan (-25.8% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the export price in Central Asia amounted to $X per ton, rising by 37% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, saw a pronounced curtailment. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 an increase of 110%. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

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

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Uzbekistan (+4.0%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Unmanufactured Tobacco Imports

Imports in Central Asia

In 2022, the amount of tobacco (unmanufactured) imported in Central Asia surged to X tons, with an increase of 91% on 2021 figures. In general, imports posted a prominent expansion. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, unmanufactured tobacco imports surged to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Kazakhstan represented the major importing country with an import of around X tons, which recorded 67% of total imports. It was distantly followed by Uzbekistan (X tons), mixing up a 32% share of total imports.

Imports into Kazakhstan increased at an average annual rate of +3.3% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, Uzbekistan (+15.0%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Uzbekistan emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Central Asia, with a CAGR of +15.0% from 2012-2022. Uzbekistan (+32 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while Kazakhstan saw its share reduced by -18.7% from 2012 to 2022, respectively.

In value terms, the largest unmanufactured tobacco importing markets in Central Asia were Kazakhstan ($X) and Uzbekistan ($X).

In terms of the main importing countries, Uzbekistan, with a CAGR of +4.7%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the import price in Central Asia amounted to $X per ton, falling by -31% against the previous year. Overall, the import price continues to indicate a abrupt decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 an increase of 12% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Uzbekistan ($X per ton), while Kazakhstan totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Uzbekistan (-8.9%).

Source: IndexBox Platform

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