2025 YTD Cigar Import Report (Jan–Mar)

Cigar Imports Show Mixed Results Through March, Large Cigars Down Slightly as Little Cigars Surge

According to new data released by the Cigar Association of America (CAA), U.S. cigar imports are continuing a mixed trend in early 2025. Through March, total imports of large cigars, both premium and mass-market, declined by 2.2% compared to the same period in 2024, falling from 1.77 billion to 1.73 billion units.

This modest drop reflects continued softness in several parts of the market, including both value-focused and mid-tier cigar segments. At the same time, little cigars posted a dramatic gain, more than doubling year-over-year to nearly 70 million units. Imports of cigar leaf tobacco declined by 11.1%, suggesting manufacturers remain cautious about inventory heading into the second quarter.

Cigar Import Trends: Comparing 2025 YTD to 2024 YTD

(Units Legend: B = billions; M = millions)

U.S. Imports	2025 YTD	2024 YTD	Change	% Change
Large Cigars	1.73B	1.77B	(40M)	-2.2%
Little Cigars	69.8M	32.3M	37.5M	+116.1%
Cigar Leaf Tobacco (KG)	3.34B	3.76B	(42M)	-11.1%

Large Cigars

Little Cigars

Cigar Leaf Tobacco

Mixed Results Across Cigar Import Categories Through March 2025

Through March 2025, large cigar imports across all HTS categories totaled 1.73 billion cigars, down 2.2% from 1.77 billion during the same period in 2024, a decline of 40 million cigars.

Imports by U.S. Customs Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code reveal a mixed picture:

• The lowest-priced segment (valued by U.S. Customs at <$0.15) remains dominant but declined 3%, falling from 1.37 billion to 1.34 billion cigars.
• The mid-tier category ($0.15–$0.229) dropped 13%, from 275 million to 238 million cigars.
• The blended mid-to-premium category ($0.23–$0.76) rose 53%, from 55 million to 85 million cigars.
• Premium cigars (>$0.76) increased by 9%, climbing from 69 million to 75 million units.

These results highlight continued softness in mass-market and value cigars, while demand at the higher end of the market appears to be strengthening.

Large Cigar Imports (Lower HTS Codes)

Large Cigar Imports (Higher HTS Codes)

Premium Cigar Imports Rebound Sharply in March

After a sluggish start to the year, premium large cigar imports saw a notable turnaround in March 2025. At the end of February, the market was down 8.7% year-to-date, but by the end of March, total imports had risen to 93.3 million cigars—up 7.2% compared to the same period in 2024. 

The shift was driven largely by a surge in imports from Nicaragua, particularly in the higher-value segments, which jumped 46% in March alone—from 16 million to 23 million cigars. Honduras and Costa Rica also contributed to the rebound, while the Dominican Republic remained slightly behind last year’s pace. Many analysts attribute the March spike to front-loaded buying in anticipation of potential tariff changes.

Estimate of Premium Large Cigar Imports

(Units in thousands)

Country of Origin	2025 YTD	2024 YTD	Change	% Change	2025 YTD	2024 YTD
					$ VALUE PER 1,000 CIGARS
Nicaragua	59,703	54,836	4,867	+8.9%	$1,414	$1,421
Dominican Rep.*	16,945	17,488	(543)	-3.1%	N/A*	N/A*
Honduras	15,347	13,848	1,499	+10.8%	$1,333	$1,328
Costa Rica	1,120	664	456	+68.7%	$1,292	$1,165
Philippines	140	155	(15)	-7.9%	$296	$286
Mexico	9	10	(1)	-10.0%	$3,351	$3,250
Panama	–	10	(10)	-100.0%	$ –	$1,054
Bahamas	–	3	(3)	-100.0%	$ –	$1,165
TOTAL	93,264	87,014	6,250	+7.2%

* Values not fully known for the Dominican Republic due to estimate based on units only.

Little Cigar Imports More Than Double in Early 2025

Little cigar imports continued their explosive growth into March, rising 116% year-over-year to nearly 70 million units. This surge was driven primarily by sharp increases from Honduras (+366%) and the Dominican Republic (+244%), with additional gains from Spain and Sri Lanka. Much of the growth from Honduras and the DR is occurring in the higher-value segment of little cigars that are made from 100% tobacco, unlike lower-priced little cigars. 

Despite the jump in volume and a 58% increase in total value, the average value per 1,000 cigars declined 27%, indicating increased output in lower-cost, machine-made formats. This segment—including the so-called “little premium cigarillos”—remains one of the most dynamic and fast-evolving areas of the cigar market.

Little Cigars Imported: Comparing 2025 YTD to 2024 YTD

(Units in thousands)

Country of Origin	2025 YTD	2024 YTD	Change	% Change
Dominican Rep.*	41,774	12,127	29,647	+244.5%
Honduras	23,042	16,959	6,083	+35.9%
Spain	3,262	1,642	1,620	+98.7%
Sri Lanka	1,072	677	395	+58.3%
Other Countries	674	906	(232)	-25.6%
Grand Total	69,824	32,311	37,513	+116.1%

Estimated Premium Large Cigar Imports

Estimated Premium Cigar Imports Rebound in March

After a slow start to 2025, premium cigar imports surged in March, rising 29% year-over-year to 43.9 million cigars. This jump offset earlier declines in January (–4%) and February (–8%), pushing March well above the monthly average of 31.1 million. The spike likely reflects pre-tariff inventory buying, giving Q1 a strong finish despite early softness.

Spotlight: Strong Growth in High-End Premium Cigars (Valued >$0.76)

The x8080 segment—which includes premium cigars valued above $0.76—rose 9%, from 68.75 million in Q1 2024 to 74.72 million in Q1 2025. Notable country-level trends include:

• Nicaragua: Up 13% to 44.13 million, reinforcing its leadership in this premium tier.
• Honduras: Gained 8% to 12.66 million, continuing its upward momentum.
• Dominican Republic: Declined 2%, contributing to its overall downward trend.
• Costa Rica: Surged 82%, from 593,000 to 1.08 million, likely reflecting niche demand or timing-based shipments.

Much of this growth—particularly in March—may be attributed to companies stockpiling inventory ahead of expected tariff increases, a move echoed by several industry analysts.

This performance underscores resilient demand in the premium space, even amid economic uncertainty. Nicaragua remains the dominant force, while Honduras and Costa Rica continue to gain ground. The modest decline from the Dominican Republic suggests shifting dynamics that merit continued attention in the quarters ahead.

Final Thoughts

The first quarter of 2025 reveals a market in transition. While premium and value cigar imports started soft, a strong rebound in March—likely driven by pre-tariff buying—helped stabilize overall numbers. Little cigars continue to show impressive momentum, fueled by production shifts and evolving consumer behavior.

Volatility in sourcing, costs, and demand remains a factor, but Q1 closes with signs of resilience, especially in the premium segment. As always, CAA will continue to monitor these developments and keep members informed with timely, data-driven insights.