Uruguay: Tobacco Market 2025

Tobacco Market Size in Uruguay

The Uruguayan tobacco market surged to $X in 2021, jumping by 18% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.5% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations in certain years. Tobacco consumption peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Tobacco Production in Uruguay

In value terms, tobacco production amounted to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when the production volume increased by 26% against the previous year. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2020 to 2021, production growth failed to regain momentum.

Tobacco Exports

Exports from Uruguay

In 2021, tobacco exports from Uruguay declined remarkably to X tons, with a decrease of -53.9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, exports faced a abrupt shrinkage. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when exports increased by 37% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, tobacco exports reduced remarkably to $X in 2021. Overall, exports saw a abrupt contraction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 when exports increased by 65%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Argentina (X tons), Paraguay (X tons) and Chile (X tons) were the main destinations of tobacco exports from Uruguay, together accounting for 86% of total exports. These countries were followed by Cabo Verde, Malaysia and Hong Kong SAR, which together accounted for a further 12%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Hong Kong SAR (with a CAGR of +555.0%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Argentina ($X), Chile ($X) and Paraguay ($X) constituted the largest markets for tobacco exported from Uruguay worldwide, with a combined 87% share of total exports. These countries were followed by Cabo Verde, Hong Kong SAR and Malaysia, which together accounted for a further 9.7%.

Hong Kong SAR, with a CAGR of +680.3%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, among the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average tobacco export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, surging by 62% against the previous year. In general, the export price showed a buoyant expansion. As a result, the export price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Hong Kong SAR ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Cabo Verde ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Hong Kong SAR (+19.1%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Tobacco Imports

Imports into Uruguay

For the third year in a row, Uruguay recorded decline in supplies from abroad of tobacco (smoking tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff), which decreased by -34% to X tons in 2021. In general, imports showed a abrupt slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when imports increased by 77% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, tobacco imports declined to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports showed a deep downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when imports increased by 106% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

The United States (X tons), Bangladesh (X tons) and France (X tons) were the main suppliers of tobacco imports to Uruguay, with a combined 70% share of total imports. These countries were followed by Germany, Denmark, Argentina, Belgium, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, which together accounted for a further 23%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Denmark (with a CAGR of +135.2%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the United States ($X) constituted the largest supplier of tobacco (smoking tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff) to Uruguay, comprising 53% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Bangladesh ($X), with a 12% share of total imports. It was followed by Germany, with a 10% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from the United States totaled +5.6%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Bangladesh (+50.1% per year) and Germany (+95.3% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average tobacco import price amounted to $X per ton, increasing by 35% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price continues to indicate a buoyant increase. As a result, import price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($X per ton), while the price for France ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+17.6%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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