Tobacco Imports in South Sudan Surge 29% Since 2013

(Juba) – Africa’s tobacco market, including smoking tobacco, chewing tobacco, and snuff, is expected to grow steadily over the next decade. A recent report by IndexBox forecasts a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.2% in volume and 2.3% in value from 2024 to 2035. By 2035, consumption is projected to reach 1.3 million tonnes, with a market value of $15.5 billion.

In 2024, tobacco consumption across the continent rose by 1.2% to 1 million tonnes. This figure marked a growth trend extending from the previous year and an average annual increase of 1.2% since 2013. A notable peak occurred in 2021, with consumption climbing 5.2% year‑on‑year.

The value of Africa’s tobacco market stood at $12.2 billion in 2024, up 7.4% from 2023. Revenue has grown by an average of 2.6% annually over the past 11 years, peaking at $15.2 billion in 2021. Demand has remained robust, with a 12.7% rise in value since 2022.

Malawi continues to lead in both consumption and production, accounting for 315,000 tonnes in 2024—31% of the total. Its annual consumption growth averaged 5.8% from 2013 to 2024. Nigeria followed with 116,000 tonnes and Ethiopia 72,000 tonnes, growing at 1.6% and 2.5% annually respectively. In market value, Malawi alone generated $3.7 billion, while Nigeria produced $1.4 billion.

On a per-person basis, Malawi’s consumption reached 15 kg in 2024 against a world average of 0.7 kg.

Tobacco output in Africa hit 1 million tonnes in 2024, nearly unchanged from 2023, showing an average annual growth of 1.3% since 2013. Value-wise, it reached $8.5 billion in export prices. Production surged 20% in 2021, with continued moderate growth.

Imports of tobacco declined by 3.9% to 61,000 tonnes in 2024, reversing a two-year rise. The import market, valued at $764 million, has grown about 1.2% annually since 2013. Major importers include Algeria (16,000 t), Egypt (7,600 t), Libya (4,200 t), Zimbabwe (3,800 t), Sudan (3,500 t), and South Sudan (2,000 t). South Sudan’s imports grew an impressive 29.2% CAGR from 2013 to 2024.

In 2024, tobacco sold at an average import price of $12,603 per tonne. Among leading importers, South Sudan had one of the lowest prices at $4,478 per tonne, while Egypt paid $21,258 per tonne.

Exports fell by 12.4% to 47,000 tonnes in 2024, after peaking at 53,000 tonnes in 2023. Export value, however, reached a record $407 million. Egypt, Uganda, Kenya, and Zimbabwe together supplied over two-thirds of tobacco exports, with Egypt generating $126 million—31% of the total.

By product type, water pipe tobacco and non-water pipe smoking tobacco each made up roughly 19,000 tonnes or 80% of exports.

Export prices averaged $8,729 per tonne in 2024, a 20% year‑on‑year increase. Morocco led in price at $21,972 per tonne, while Uganda’s price was $3,536 per tonne.