India is a leading leaf tobacco exporter in the world, exporting tobacco to more than 100 countries across the globe. India is also the world’s 2nd largest exporter of unmanufactured tobacco in quantity terms. Our tobacco and tobacco product exports have reached an all-time high in 2024-25, earning around Rs. 16,728 crores of foreign exchange for the country.
Source: DGCI&S, Kolkata
India produces tobaccos of different grades and types for various end users, thus providing a one-stop shop for different styles, qualities and price ranges.
Flue Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco is the main exportable tobacco produced in India. FCV tobacco exports alone garner foreign exchange earnings of around Rs. 7,552 crores annually (2024-25).
India accounts for 6% value share of the US$ 10 billion global tobacco leaf export trade. With a vast variety of tobaccos grown in the country and the improving quality of produce there exists a significant opportunity for the tobacco industry in India to extend and consolidate its position in the world tobacco trade.
