Tobacco production refers to the total quantity of raw, unmanufactured tobacco leaves harvested from tobacco crops within a country or region during a specific year, generally measured in tonnes.
Tanzania Tobacco Production was 117.5 Thousand Tonnes in 2024, down 4.4% on 2023. Tanzania Tobacco Production from 2015 to 2024 showed considerable fluctuations during the decade, influenced by climatic conditions, agricultural productivity, farming practices, and international market demand. Tanzania recorded tobacco production of 100.31265 thousand tonnes in 2015, followed by a significant decline to 60.692 thousand tonnes in 2016.
Tanzania Tobacco Production moved from 100.3 Thousand Tonnes in 2015 to 117.5 Thousand Tonnes in 2024 (+17.1%), an average of +1.8% a year. The series high was 122.9 Thousand Tonnes in 2023 and the low 37.55 Thousand Tonnes in 2020.
The gap between the series high (2023) and low (2020) is 85.31 Thousand Tonnes. The sharpest single-year move was +73.8% in 2023.
Among the 31 countries in this dataset, Tanzania ranks 9 for 2024, behind China (2,256 Thousand Tonnes) and India (727.2 Thousand Tonnes). It accounts for 1.9% of the global total in 2024.
Full series
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Thousand Tonnes.
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| Year | Thousand Tonnes | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 117.5 | −4.4% |
| 2023Peak | 122.9 | +73.8% |
| 2022 | 70.70 | +20.8% |
| 2021 | 58.51 | +55.8% |
| 2020 Trough | 37.55 | −47% |
| 2019 | 70.82 | +40.2% |
| 2018 | 50.52 | −13.8% |
| 2017 | 58.64 | −3.4% |
| 2016 | 60.69 | −39.5% |
| 2015 | 100.3 | — |
Regional context
Tobacco Production by country, 2024, Thousand Tonnes. Tanzania is highlighted.
Data definition
Tobacco Production — Tobacco production refers to the total quantity of raw, unmanufactured tobacco leaves harvested from tobacco crops within a country or region during a specific year, generally measured in tonnes. It represents the agricultural output generated through the cultivation, growth, and harvesting of tobacco plants for commercial use. This macro indicator tracks changes in tobacco farming activities, production volumes, cultivation practices, harvested area, and yield performance over time, providing insights into the scale and trends of tobacco crop production across different regions.
Tobacco production includes the annual harvested quantity of raw tobacco leaves from commercially cultivated tobacco plants. It covers major tobacco varieties such as flue-cured, burley, oriental, and other types grown by small-scale farmers and large agricultural producers. The indicator includes tobacco crops produced within national boundaries for use in the manufacturing of cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco, and other processed tobacco products. It accounts for agricultural activities related to cultivation, harvesting, and primary crop output measured in tonnes.
Tobacco production excludes processed tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and other finished tobacco goods. It does not include tobacco manufacturing, packaging, distribution, retail sales, consumption, imports, or exports of tobacco products. The indicator also excludes synthetic nicotine products, non-tobacco nicotine alternatives, experimental tobacco cultivation, and broader economic measures such as tobacco industry revenue, employment, market value, or trade statistics.
Tobacco Production — Tobacco production refers to the total quantity of raw, unmanufactured tobacco leaves harvested from tobacco crops within a country or region during a specific year, generally measured in tonnes. It represents the agricultural output generated through the cultivation, growth, and harvesting of tobacco plants for commercial use. This macro indicator tracks changes in tobacco farming activities, production volumes, cultivation practices, harvested area, and yield performance over time, providing insights into the scale and trends of tobacco crop production across different regions.
Production continued to decrease in 2017, reaching 58.639 thousand tonnes, and declined further to 50.522 thousand tonnes in 2018, which represented the lowest production level during the initial years. In 2019, tobacco production recovered to 70.824 thousand tonnes, but declined again in 2020 to 37.546 thousand tonnes. Production improved significantly in 2021, reaching 58.508 thousand tonnes, followed by 70.699 thousand tonnes in 2022. Tanzania experienced a major increase in output in 2023, recording 122.859 thousand tonnes, while production remained strong in 2024 at 117.464 thousand tonnes. The overall production trend highlights Tanzania’s ability to recover from periods of decline and expand tobacco cultivation when favorable conditions exist. Tobacco farming is an important agricultural activity in Tanzania, particularly among smallholder farmers who depend on tobacco cultivation for income generation. The crop contributes to rural employment and export revenues, making it an important part of the agricultural economy. However, the sector faces challenges including weather uncertainty, limited access to advanced farming technology, fluctuating global prices, and increasing regulatory pressure on tobacco products. Farmers and industry stakeholders have focused on improving production efficiency, enhancing leaf quality, and strengthening supply chain management. The strong increase in production during 2023 and 2024 reflects improved agricultural performance and favorable market conditions. Tanzania continues to maintain a significant role in Africa’s tobacco industry, supported by its established farming communities and export-oriented production system.
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Tobacco production refers to the total quantity of raw, unmanufactured tobacco leaves harvested from tobacco crops within a country or region during a specific year, generally measured in tonnes. It represents the agricultural output generated through the cultivation, growth, and harvesting of tobacco plants for commercial use. This macro indicator tracks changes in tobacco farming activities, production volumes, cultivation practices, harvested area, and yield performance over time, providing insights into the scale and trends of tobacco crop production across different regions.
Tanzania Tobacco Production was 117.5 Thousand Tonnes in 2024, down 4.4% on 2023.
Tanzania Tobacco Production moved from 100.3 Thousand Tonnes in 2015 to 117.5 Thousand Tonnes in 2024 (+17.1%), an average of +1.8% a year. The series high was 122.9 Thousand Tonnes in 2023 and the low 37.55 Thousand Tonnes in 2020.
The highest value was 122.9 Thousand Tonnes in 2023 and the lowest was 37.55 Thousand Tonnes in 2020.
Included: Tobacco production includes the annual harvested quantity of raw tobacco leaves from commercially cultivated tobacco plants. It covers major tobacco varieties such as flue-cured, burley, oriental, and other types grown by small-scale farmers and large agricultural producers. The indicator includes tobacco crops produced within national boundaries for use in the manufacturing of cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco, and other processed tobacco products. It accounts for agricultural activities related to cultivation, harvesting, and primary crop output measured in tonnes. Excluded: Tobacco production excludes processed tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and other finished tobacco goods. It does not include tobacco manufacturing, packaging, distribution, retail sales, consumption, imports, or exports of tobacco products. The indicator also excludes synthetic nicotine products, non-tobacco nicotine alternatives, experimental tobacco cultivation, and broader economic measures such as tobacco industry revenue, employment, market value, or trade statistics.
The series is sourced from Our World in Data (https://ourworldindata.org/explorers/global-food?tab=table&Food=Tobacco&Metric=Production&Per+capita=false&country=USA~DEU~FRA~GBR~BRA~ZAF%3BhideControls). It covers 2015–2024 and is reported in Thousand Tonnes.
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