HS Code:
The 'From Oriental or Turkish type tobacco' category, classified under HS Code 2401.10.40, refers to unmanufactured tobacco specifically of the Oriental or Turkish variety, which is primarily used in the production of cigarettes and other tobacco products. This type of tobacco is characterized by its small leaves, aromatic qualities, and low nicotine content compared to other varieties. It is mainly cultivated in regions like Turkey, Greece, and parts of the Middle East and Balkans. This category plays a significant role in the global tobacco trade due to its unique flavor profile, which is often blended with other tobacco types to create premium cigarette brands.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $1.2 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and World Trade Organization (WTO) Statistics
$450 million USD
37.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$300 million USD
25.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$150 million USD
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$100 million USD
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$80 million USD
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
15.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
35% (applied by certain Middle Eastern countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-Turkey Customs Union)
Growing demand for premium and blended cigarettes
Increased demand for Oriental tobacco in markets like Europe and Asia due to its use in premium cigarette blends, driving export growth for key producers.
2021-2022
Shift towards sustainable and organic tobacco farming
Producers in Turkey and Greece are adopting sustainable practices to meet regulatory and consumer demands, potentially increasing production costs but also market access in eco-conscious regions.
2020-2022
Decline in tobacco consumption in certain regions
Stricter anti-smoking regulations in North America and parts of Europe are reducing overall demand for tobacco products, impacting long-term growth prospects for Oriental tobacco exports.
2019-2022
The Turkish government introduced subsidies for tobacco exporters to boost the competitiveness of Oriental tobacco in international markets, focusing on small-scale farmers.
March 2023
Expected to increase Turkey's market share by 5-10% over the next two years, potentially affecting pricing dynamics for competitors like Greece and Bulgaria.
The European Union revised its Tobacco Products Directive, imposing stricter labeling and health warning requirements on imported tobacco, including Oriental varieties.
January 2023
Increased compliance costs for exporters to the EU, potentially reducing profit margins for smaller producers while benefiting larger, well-equipped firms.
Ongoing economic and political crises in Lebanon have disrupted tobacco farming, leading to a decline in production and export volumes of Oriental tobacco.
October 2022
Reduced supply from Lebanon has created opportunities for other producers like Turkey and Bulgaria to fill the gap in global markets.