Journal Digest | ITGA Tobacco Courier Issue 88: The Brazilian Model and the New Global Tobacco Landscape

The ITGA Tobacco Courier Issue 88 (June 2025) shines a spotlight on Brazil, the world’s largest tobacco leaf exporter, thoroughly showcasing its agricultural model, export advantages, social responsibility practices, and sustainability strategies. This issue also includes the latest market and production data from major tobacco-growing countries, making it essential reading for global tobacco industry professionals and observers.

As ITGA’s official media partner, 2Firsts has prepared this categorized digest to help you quickly grasp the core information and encourages you to download and read the full journal.

Brazil’s Leading Role in Global Tobacco Production

According to the articles “Brazil in the Spotlight” and “ITGA Secretariat Editorial,” Brazil’s total tobacco production in 2025 is projected to reach around 696,000 tons, maintaining its position as the world’s top tobacco leaf exporter. In the 2024/25 season, there are approximately 151,247 farming households cultivating about 333,000 hectares. The average price of Virginia tobacco has increased to USD 4.71/kg, and Burley to USD 4.09/kg (see pages 14–17).

In terms of productivity, the southern region achieves an average yield of 2,314 kg/ha, while the national average stands at 2,234 kg/ha, ranking among the highest globally (Focus Topic: Productivity & Yields, pages 22–25).

Sustainability and Social Responsibility

In “Industry Stewards – The Role of Tobacco Companies in Brazil’s Agricultural Model” (pages 12–15), it is detailed how Brazil integrates agricultural production with sustainability. Afubra (the Brazilian tobacco growers’ association) has long promoted the “Verde é Vida” project, covering 428 schools and benefiting over 150,000 people, educating younger generations on environmental protection and rural sustainability.

Universal Leaf distributes over 1.5 million seedlings each year to establish energy forests and reduce dependence on native forests (Industry Insights: Universal Leaf Tabacos, pages 36–39). More than 20% of Alliance One Brasil’s farmers have installed solar systems for curing tobacco and powering farms (Industry Insights: Alliance One Brasil, pages 30–33). JTI’s ARISE program has benefited over 5,000 children, and its “Women’s Strength in the Field” initiative has impacted more than 3,600 female growers (Industry Insights: Japan Tobacco International, pages 42–47).

Corporate Innovation and Farmer Support

Several companies shared their latest strategies and initiatives in the “Industry Insights” section:

· BAT Brasil invested BRL 60 million in establishing the BAT Agritech Centre for seed research, disease resistance, and global seed distribution (pages 54–55).

· Alliance One’s DiversificACTION program has helped over 11,100 farmers diversify crops, increasing corn and other crop yields by around 15%.

· Universal Leaf focuses on farm safety, child protection, and environmental restoration, promoting strict “Good Agricultural Practices” standards.

Domestic and Global Markets & Regulatory Dynamics

“Navigating Regulatory Changes: The Evolving Tobacco Landscape in Brazil” (pages 46–49) notes that despite the global decline in cigarette sales, Brazil’s market remains strong, driven by lower retail prices, widespread distribution, and the lack of legal reduced-risk product alternatives.

In 2024, the minimum cigarette retail price increased from BRL 5 to BRL 6.5 per pack, along with higher taxes. Meanwhile, the illicit e-cigarette market has grown to about 19 million units. Although regulations are becoming stricter, they also present opportunities for legal products and innovative alternatives.

Americas Regional Meeting and International Cooperation

“Key Takeaways from ITGA Americas Regional Meeting in Jujuy, Argentina” (pages 56–59) reports that the ITGA Americas regional meeting held in April 2025 focused on climate challenges, labor issues, alternative crops, and global supply chain security.

The meeting highlighted that global FCV tobacco production decreased from 1.95 billion kg in 2023 to 1.86 billion kg in 2024, primarily due to climate fluctuations. Countries are expected to increase production in 2025 to meet recovering global demand. China’s tobacco leaf imports rose to over 180 million kg in 2023. Zimbabwe’s production is forecast to reach a record 320,000 tons in 2025.

Key Data from Major Tobacco-Producing Countries

The “ITGA Members’ Reports” (pages 60–77) provides detailed data from major tobacco-growing nations:

· United States: 2025 Burley production projected at 24,500 tons, price around USD 5.17/kg, facing labor shortages and uncertainties with exports to China.

· Argentina (Salta & Misiones): Production in Misiones expected to reach 33,000 tons in 2025, with planted area expanding to 20,200 hectares.

· Colombia: Total tobacco production in 2024 estimated at 3,640 tons, mainly for premium cigar exports.

· Dominican Republic: 2025 production forecast at 15,005 tons, with planted area increasing to 9,437 hectares.

· Zimbabwe: 2025 production expected to reach 320,000 tons, average export price around USD 3.37/kg.

· Malawi: Expected production at 174,000 tons, price dropping to USD 2.28/kg, but demand remains strong.

· India: Export revenue anticipated to exceed USD 2 billion.

· Korea & Bulgaria: Stable production with prices ranging from USD 4 to 7/kg.

Reasons to Read

ITGA Tobacco Courier Issue 88 is not only a panoramic report on the global tobacco supply chain but also a valuable analysis of how Brazil and other major production areas are innovating and transforming under pressure.

Reasons to read:

· Gain a comprehensive understanding of how Brazil integrates productivity, sustainability, and social responsibility to build a world-leading model.

· Access first-hand data on area, yield, price, and export trends from multiple countries.

· Understand global tobacco regulation, climate risks, and supply chain dynamics to better anticipate future opportunities.

Download the full journal for in-depth data, charts, and interviews, and fully explore the global tobacco industry landscape!

ITGA and 2Firsts Partnership

Founded in 1984, the International Tobacco Growers’ Association (ITGA) is a non-profit organization established by representatives of tobacco growers from multiple countries worldwide. It aims to advocate for growers, balance regulatory objectives with farmers’ livelihoods, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

2Firsts is a global leading media and consulting organization specializing in the next-generation tobacco products (NGP) sector. It is committed to connecting the global industry chain through professional reporting, in-depth research, and compliance services, advancing tobacco harm reduction (THR) and industry sustainability.

In April 2025, ITGA and 2Firsts officially signed a memorandum of understanding during the ITGA Americas Regional Meeting held in San Salvador de Jujuy, Argentina, launching a strategic partnership. Their collaboration covers four core areas, supporting global growers and facilitating cooperation and transformation between traditional and next-generation products while promoting global market communication and shared development:

· Official Media Partner: 2Firsts becomes ITGA’s official media partner, participating in and reporting on global meetings and activities to enhance industry influence.

· Co-Organizing Conferences: Both parties will jointly organize the ITGA Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting to create a high-quality dialogue platform focusing on cultivation, trends, and policy changes.

· Greater China Representative: 2Firsts serves as ITGA’s exclusive local contact representative in Greater China (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan), facilitating deeper regional cooperation.

· Joint Research & Publications: The two will co-develop and release industry blue books and market research reports, providing authoritative insights and forward-looking analysis.

To learn more about the collaboration between ITGA and 2Firsts, click here.