EnThe WHO’s World Tobacco Day highlighted the economic development risks associated with tobacco consumption. Sadly, tobacco remains a significant item of global trade despite the health risks involved. Panjiva data shows that U.S. exports of tobacco and its products reached its highest since at least 2009 in March after rising 8.7% on a year earlier. Around half the unprocessed tobacco shipments in March were to China, with deliveries for the whole year being accounted for in the first quarter.
That comes against the backdrop of a steady decline in exports. These have fallen by 1.7% in the 12 months to March 31, though a decline in unprocessed was partly offset by a 20.3% rise in exports of cigarettes, led by shipments to Canada. Leading exporters of tobacco more broadly include Universal Leaf, Japan Tobacco and Alliance One.
Notably the U.S. also runs a “tobacco surplus” worth $116 million billion in the past 12 months. That came as imports, led by cigar imports from the Dominican Republic increased by 11.3% in the past year despite a 3.8% drop in the first quarter.
Source: Panjiva
