- By Ridam Sharma
- Tue, 03 Jun 2025 09:34 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Largest Tobacco-Producing Countries: With millions of tons of tobacco produced every year for making cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products, it is a significant crop across the world. Despite health concerns, tobacco production is shaping economies and lifestyles across the nation. The industry supports millions of farmers and workers, especially in developing nations where tobacco often serves as a key export commodity. Here is the list of the top 8 largest tobacco-producing countries, along with India’s rank on the list, according to Statista’s 2023 report.
List Of The Top 8 Largest Tobacco-Producing Countries:
Rank | Country | Tobacco Production (2022, in metric tons) |
---|---|---|
1 | China | 2,189,489 |
2 | India | 772,152 |
3 | Brazil | 667,293 |
4 | Indonesia | 225,579 |
5 | United States | 202,920 |
6 | Zimbabwe | 166,919 |
7 | Pakistan | 133,562 |
8 | Malawi | 103,806 |
Which Is The Largest Tobacco-Producing Country?
China
China is the world's largest producer of tobacco, with about one-third of total global production. Tobacco is a significant cash crop and an integral part of the nation’s rural economy, and local governments tend to promote its growth. The nation also possesses the highest number of tobacco consumers, and domestic demand is the main cause of production.
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India
India is the second-largest producer of tobacco in the world, with over 772,000 metric tons of total production every year. The climate in the southern states makes them the primary cultivation areas. Tobacco is an important export crop and a major source of rural jobs.
Brazil
Brazil is the third-largest tobacco producer in the world. It is known for its quality. Unlike China and India, domestic consumption of tobacco is lower in India, which gives it a big exports market. Brazilian tobacco farming is labour-oriented, which rely heavily on manual processes to maintain quality.
Indonesia
Indonesia is a leading tobacco producer and has a high rate of smoking globally. Tobacco cultivation covers a large area, which benefits millions of smallholder farmers. The sector is directly linked to the production of kretek (clove cigarettes), which is a widely consumed local brand.
United States
The United States has a long tradition of tobacco production, especially in the Virginia-Carolina region. Production has decreased because of regulation and shifting consumption patterns.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is Africa's biggest tobacco producer, with the crop being a major export and significantly affecting the national economy. The nation's tobacco is famous for its quality and offers livelihoods to numerous small-scale farmers.
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Pakistan
Pakistan's tobacco sector is a significant source of employment and government income. The nation grows a great deal of tobacco, much of which is domestically consumed in the form of cigarettes and other products.
Malawi
Malawi is one of Africa's top producers of tobacco, with the crop generating a majority of export earnings. Tobacco cultivation keeps thousands of rural families employed and is a cornerstone of its national economy.