Top Takeaways:
- Turkish tobacco exports exceed $1 billion, reaching $1.004 billion in January–May—highest in seven years and up from $915 million last year.
- Growth driven by higher prices, not volume, says Aegean Exporters’ Association head Omer Celal Umur.
- Domestic policy shift mandating 30% Turkish-grown tobacco spurs expansion in Virginia and Burley cultivars, with output projected to reach 80 million kg by year-end.
Türkiye’s tobacco sector has recorded its highest export earnings in seven years, surpassing $1 billion in the first five months of 2025, according to new data released by the Aegean Exporters’ Association (EIB), reported by Türkiye Today.
Exports reached $1.004 billion between January and May, up from $915 million during the same period last year. Officials attribute the increase to stronger average export prices rather than a rise in shipment volumes.
Omer Celal Umur, chair of the Aegean Tobacco Exporters’ Association, said the growth occurred despite stagnant global cigarette consumption. “The revenue increase was achieved thanks to pricing improvements,” he noted, adding that the sector’s goal is now to consistently maintain exports above the $1 billion threshold.
Recent changes in domestic regulation have also played a key role in shaping the tobacco market. A nationwide requirement that all cigarettes produced in Türkiye contain at least 30% locally grown tobacco took effect this year. As a result, production of large-leaf tobacco varieties—such as Virginia and Burley—has expanded significantly.
According to the association, 30 million kilograms of Türkiye’s total 73 million kilograms of tobacco output now comes from these large-leaf types. Although primarily intended for domestic use, the association expects these varieties to contribute to exports in the future as quality improves.
Umur projected that overall production could reach 80 million kilograms by the end of 2025.
The surge in export revenue underscores the sector’s resilience and Türkiye’s positioning as a key supplier of raw tobacco, particularly to European and Asian markets. Industry stakeholders are watching closely to see how the expanded domestic supply and ongoing regulatory adjustments will shape the country’s trade outlook in the second half of the year.
