Global Cigarette Market Overview, 2023-28

The cigarette industry is one of the most profitable and contentious sectors in the global economy. It has a long and complex history, marked by a constant battle between economic interests, public health concerns, and shifting societal attitudes. Tobacco, native to the Americas, has been cultivated and used for centuries. Native Americans were the first to smoke tobacco, often in religious and ceremonial contexts. Christopher Columbus and other European explorers introduced tobacco to the Old World in the late 15th century. By the 16th century, smoking tobacco had become a widespread habit. The cigarette, as we know it today, took shape in the 19th century when machines were developed to roll tobacco into thin, cylindrical shapes. The commercial production of cigarettes began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the industry booming in the United States. The cigarette industry is characterized by a few major multinational corporations, known as the "Big Tobacco" companies. These companies include Philip Morris International, British American Tobacco, Japan Tobacco International, and Imperial Brands, among others. They dominate the global market, producing some of the most recognized cigarette brands. Market dynamics have changed over the years due to various factors, including shifts in consumer preferences, health concerns, and regulatory pressures. The industry has faced declining sales in some developed countries but has sought growth opportunities in emerging markets.

According to the research report, “Global Cigarettes Market Overview, 2023-28” the market is anticipated to cross USD 850 Billion by 2028, increasing from USD 700.20 Billion in 2022. The market is expected to grow with 3.31% CAGR by 2023-28. One of the most often used tobacco products consumed worldwide is cigarettes. They are a tiny cigar constructed of a thin paper that contains tobacco that has been ground or shredded. The majority of cigarettes are made using a tobacco product that incorporates recycled tobacco stems. Reeds and smoking tubes were the only forms of cigarettes available in the early ninth century. Juan Nepomuceno Adorno created cigarette manufacturing equipment in Mexico later in the 1800s. According to consumer tastes, cigarettes were gradually introduced in a broad range of shapes, sizes, colors, flavors, and intensities. Currently, there is a growing demand for cigarettes, especially in developing nations like Asia and Africa. Population growth and tax-related government controls on the manufacturing of cigarettes are to blame for this. Another significant driver of growth is the increased product demand from emerging markets. This can be due to the interaction of a number of variables, including the explosive growth of the population, urbanization, shifting lifestyle preferences, and rising consumer buying power. Along with stylish and visually pleasing packaging, the on-going introduction of novel product variants - like skinny cigarettes - also contributes to the market's expansion. Manufacturers are also creating cigarettes with flavours like menthol, chocolate, clove, and double or single capsules, which are quite popular with consumers.

China is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.4 Billion people. The sheer size of the population creates a massive potential market for cigarettes, both for domestic consumption and export. The Chinese tobacco industry operates as a state monopoly, with China National Tobacco Corporation (CNTC) being the dominant player. This monopoly allows the Chinese government to exert significant control over the industry, from production to pricing. Smoking has a long history in Chinese culture and is deeply ingrained in many social traditions and rituals. It has been socially accepted and even encouraged in certain contexts. The Chinese government relies heavily on revenue from the tobacco industry. Cigarette sales contribute substantial tax revenue and provide employment in both urban and rural areas. China is also a major tobacco-producing country, with a vast amount of land dedicated to tobacco cultivation. This allows for a steady supply of raw materials for the production of cigarettes. Cigarettes are relatively affordable in China compared to many other countries, making them accessible to a broad section of the population. While in United States, traditional cigarette sales have been on the decline, many major tobacco companies, such as Altria Group (formerly Philip Morris) and Reynolds American (now a subsidiary of British American Tobacco), have diversified their product offerings. They have expanded into other tobacco-related products, such as smokeless tobacco (e.g., snuff and chewing tobacco), electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), and heated tobacco products. These alternative products have gained popularity, particularly among people looking for reduced-risk tobacco options.

Based on the product type, some tobacco companies market cigarettes with terms like "medium" to convey the idea of a milder or less intense smoking experience. These cigarettes are often positioned as a middle ground between full-strength (regular) and light or ultra-light cigarettes. Such branding strategies are designed to appeal to a broader range of smokers, including those who be looking for a less harsh smoking experience. Consumer preferences can influence the demand for different types of cigarettes. Some smokers choose medium-strength cigarettes because they find them more palatable and less intense than regular cigarettes. This preference be driven by factors like taste, nicotine content, or perceived health considerations. In recent years, the tobacco industry has been diversifying into alternative tobacco and nicotine products, such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco devices. These products are often perceived as offering reduced risks compared to traditional cigarettes. Some of these alternatives might be marketed as having "medium" nicotine levels or as a middle ground between smoking and quitting. Regulations related to cigarette manufacturing and labelling can influence how cigarettes are marketed and perceived. In some regions, regulations have discouraged the use of terms like "light" and "low-tar" due to concerns that they can mislead consumers. This has led to changes in how cigarettes are labelled and marketed, which might include the use of "medium" descriptors.

Furthermore, online sales channels have been experiencing significant growth in various industries, and the reasons for this expansion are multifaceted. Convenience is a primary driver of online sales growth. Shoppers can browse and make purchases from the comfort of their homes, at any time of the day or night. This eliminates the need to travel to physical stores, wait in lines, or adhere to specific store hours. Online retailers often offer a more extensive selection of products compared to brick-and-mortar stores. Customers can access a diverse range of goods from various brands and sellers, and they can easily compare products and prices. Online shopping allows consumers to quickly compare prices from different retailers. This price transparency often leads to competitive pricing, promotions, and discounts, benefiting consumers. Shoppers can read reviews and ratings from other customers, which can help them make informed purchasing decisions. This added transparency and peer feedback build trust in online shopping. Many online retailers use data and algorithms to provide personalized product recommendations, enhancing the shopping experience and increasing the likelihood of repeat purchases. Online shopping platforms offer a variety of secure and convenient payment methods, including credit cards, digital wallets, and various online payment gateways. Fast and reliable shipping options, including same-day or next-day delivery, make online shopping even more attractive to consumers. Some platforms offer subscription services that provide regular deliveries of essential items. Also, the prevalence of smartphones and mobile apps has made online shopping more accessible and convenient. Mobile devices have become a primary platform for e-commerce. As technology continues to advance and consumer preferences evolve, online sales channels are likely to remain a significant and growing part of the retail landscape.

Major Drivers

• Cultural Acceptance and Addiction: One of the fundamental drivers of the cigarette industry is the deeply ingrained cultural acceptance of smoking in various societies. For decades, smoking has been a prevalent social activity and a symbol of relaxation, celebration, and even rebellion in some cases. This cultural acceptance has led to a significant number of regular smokers. Furthermore, the highly addictive nature of nicotine, a key component in cigarettes, plays a pivotal role in maintaining and driving cigarette consumption. Nicotine addiction often leads to long-term and recurrent use, making it challenging for many smokers to quit, even in the face of growing health concerns. This combination of cultural acceptance and addiction has been a major driver of the demand for cigarettes globally.
• Strong Presence of Multinational Tobacco Companies: The cigarette industry is characterized by a handful of multinational tobacco companies, including Philip Morris International, British American Tobacco, and Japan Tobacco International, that exert a dominant influence. These companies boast a strong global presence, allowing them to market and distribute their products on a massive scale. Through extensive branding, product innovation, and substantial distribution networks, they have established iconic cigarette brands that are recognized and consumed worldwide. Their presence is bolstered by vast resources for marketing, lobbying, and product development. The multinational tobacco companies continue to wield significant influence, driving the growth and profitability of the cigarette industry while navigating an evolving landscape shaped by changing consumer preferences, health regulations, and societal attitudes toward smoking.

Major Challenges

• Health Concerns and Anti-Smoking Initiatives: The most significant challenge facing the cigarette industry is the well-documented and widely recognized health risks associated with smoking. Smoking is a leading cause of preventable deaths worldwide, contributing to various serious health conditions, including lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory disorders. As public awareness of these health risks continues to grow, governments, non-governmental organizations, and public health campaigns have launched vigorous anti-smoking initiatives. These efforts aim to reduce smoking rates, encourage smoking cessation, and discourage youth from taking up the habit. In response, the industry must grapple with declining consumer trust and increased regulatory scrutiny.
• Regulatory Restrictions and Taxation: Governments around the world have imposed a plethora of regulations on the cigarette industry, encompassing packaging and labeling requirements, advertising restrictions, and taxes. Higher taxes on cigarettes are frequently employed as a means to discourage consumption and generate revenue. Graphic warning labels on cigarette packaging have become commonplace to convey the health risks associated with smoking. Smoking bans in public places and age restrictions on purchasing cigarettes are also standard measures aimed at curbing tobacco use. These regulatory restrictions and taxation have posed significant challenges to the marketing, distribution, and sale of cigarettes, requiring the industry to navigate complex legal environments and adapt to evolving regulations.

Market Trends

• Reduced Harm Products: In response to the increasing health concerns associated with traditional cigarettes, the industry is witnessing a shift toward alternative and potentially reduced harm products. E-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and oral nicotine alternatives have gained prominence. These products are marketed as potentially less harmful alternatives to smoking traditional cigarettes, as they eliminate the combustion process that generates harmful by-products. Some consumers are turning to these alternatives in their efforts to reduce health risks while maintaining their nicotine addiction.
• Declining Smoking Rates and Shift to Emerging Markets: Smoking rates have been declining in many developed countries, spurred by health consciousness and anti-smoking efforts. As a result, the cigarette industry is increasingly turning to emerging markets in regions like Asia-Pacific and Africa, where smoking rates are still relatively high. Companies are diversifying their product portfolios and expanding their presence in these markets to capture new consumers. The industry is also adapting to changing consumer preferences and exploring technologies to address evolving market dynamics, all while contending with the enduring challenge of health concerns and regulatory pressures.

Covid-19 Impacts

Many countries imposed lockdowns and restrictions to contain the spread of the virus. These measures disrupted manufacturing operations and supply chains, leading to delays and shortages in the production and distribution of cigarettes. Factors like factory closures, transportation restrictions, and labour shortages affected the industry's ability to meet demand. Many retail outlets that sell cigarettes, such as convenience stores and gas stations, faced decreased foot traffic as consumers stayed home to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus. This resulted in decreased sales of cigarettes in physical stores, particularly in urban areas. The pandemic prompted some smokers to revaluate their habits and consider quitting. Concerns about respiratory health and heightened awareness of the health risks of smoking led to increased interest in smoking cessation products and services. Many individuals used the pandemic as an opportunity to quit smoking. Several governments took the opportunity to strengthen tobacco control measures during the pandemic. Some countries implemented stricter regulations, including higher taxes on tobacco products, graphic warning labels, and bans on tobacco advertising. These measures aimed to discourage smoking and reduce the burden on healthcare systems. The economic impact of the pandemic led to reduced disposable income for many individuals. As a result, some smokers reduced their consumption or sought more affordable cigarette options, which could affect sales of premium brands. With lockdowns and social distancing measures in place, online shopping for cigarettes increased. E-commerce platforms and delivery services saw a surge in demand for tobacco products. This trend may have a lasting impact on how consumers purchase cigarettes in the future.

Competitive Landscape

Key market participants now use a variety of tactics to fortify their positions and preserve their competitive advantages. To cater to various consumer tastes, they are broadening their product portfolios to include a wide range of brands, flavours, and product variants. Additionally, businesses are spending money on creative and attractive packaging designs to distinguish their brands and draw customers at the point of sale. To meet the needs of customers looking for alternatives to conventional goods, they are investing in the development and promotion of reduced-risk tobacco products including e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn gadgets. The creation of new products, such as improvements in filter technology, tobacco mixes, and smoking experience, is also the focus of on-going research and development (R&D) initiatives. They are actively expanding their market presence into emerging economies and high-potential regions to tap into new consumer markets and increase their sales volume. Players like British American Tobacco plc, The Japan Tobacco Inc., Imperial Tobacco Group plc, ITC Limited, Philip Morris International Inc, Korea Tobacco & Ginseng Corporation (KT&G), PT Djarum, NTC Industries Ltd, Landewyck Tobacco S.A., Karelia Tobacco Company Inc., 22nd Century Group, Inc., Eastern Company SAE, Intercontinental Tobacco Group, Dosal Tobacco Corporation, China Tobacco International Inc., The Vazir Sultan Tobacco Company Limited and Altria Group, Inc.

Considered in this report

• Geography: Global
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report

• Global Cigarette with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Region-wise Cigarette market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Regions & Countries covered in the report

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle-East & Africa

By Type

• Light
• Medium
• Others

By Distribution Channel

• Speciality Store
• Hypermarket/Supermarket
• Convenience Stores
• Online
• Others

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations and organizations related to the Cigarette industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.