TobaccoReporter logo

Tag: Dominican

  • U.S. Cigar Imports Up 4.6% in 2025

    U.S. Cigar Imports Up 4.6% in 2025

    Handmade cigar imports to the United States continue to rise, according to new data released this week by the Cigar Association of America (CAA), signaling sustained growth in the premium cigar market. Imports for the first three quarters of 2025 totaled 318.6 million cigars, a 4.6% increase compared with the same period in 2024, according to Cigar Aficionado.

    Nicaragua remained the dominant supplier, accounting for 190.4 million cigars, up 2.1% year over year. The Dominican Republic followed with 69.9 million cigars, a 3.8% increase, while Honduras recorded the fastest growth among the top producers, with shipments jumping 14.8% to 55.5 million cigars. Together, the three countries accounted for more than 99% of all handmade cigar imports.

    The largest monthly surge occurred in March, when imports rose 29% compared with March 2024, following the announcement of the Trump administration’s “Liberation Day” tariffs affecting cigar-producing countries. In 2024, U.S. imports reached 430 million handmade cigars, up 0.9% from 2023. If current trends hold, 2025 is on pace to mark the fifth consecutive year with more than 400 million handmade cigars imported into the U.S.

  • Chinese Tobacco Heading to Dominican to Boost Cigar Exports

    Chinese Tobacco Heading to Dominican to Boost Cigar Exports

    Dominican Tobacco International Ceiba general manager Bob López announced a “landmark collaboration” that will bring Chinese cigar tobacco to a new Dominican factory in Villa González in an effort to produce “cigars with unique flavors, greater consistency, and stronger market differentiation.”

    “By uniting Dominican craftsmanship with Chinese cigar tobacco, we are creating opportunities that not only increase the industry’s international competitiveness but also enrich the diversity of production styles and techniques in the Villa González region,” López said.

    The Chinese tobacco will be sourced from Sichuan, Hainan’s Danzhou Cigar Base, and Tianhe Company, and will be blended with Dominican craftsmanship. Positioned within a free trade zone, the factory is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and large-scale capacity, ensuring compliance with international standards and efficient worldwide distribution.

    According to López, the venture will not only reinforce the Dominican Republic’s position as a leader in premium cigar manufacturing but also expand export opportunities to North America, Europe, and Asia. By fusing tradition with innovation, the project seeks to accelerate the internationalization of new brands, drive economic growth in Villa González, and diversify global cigar offerings. The first production phase is scheduled for early 2026, supported by ongoing recruitment of local talent.

  • Procigar Opens 2026 Registration

    Procigar Opens 2026 Registration

    The Association of the Dominican Cigar Manufacturers announced that registration is open for the 18th Procigar Festival 2026 will be held February 15—20, 2026. Combining educational opportunities, entertainment, and access to numerous exclusive premium cigars, the Festival promotes the Dominican tobacco industry and its position as “exporters of the finest premium cigars in the world.”

    The festival is broken into two parts, with the first portion taking place Feb 15—17 in La Romana and the second portion taking place Feb 17—20 in Santiago. Registration packages begin at $2,500 and include transportation around the island, tours, meals, and a goodie bag, but not airfare or hotel expenses.

    Click here for more information.

  • Dominican Republic Leads Premium Cigar Market with $1.3B in Exports

    Dominican Republic Leads Premium Cigar Market with $1.3B in Exports

    Iván Hernández Guzmán, the director of the Dominican Tobacco Institute (Intabaco), appeared on “Entre Periodistas,” and confirmed that he expects the nation’s cigar exports to surpass $1.34 billion this year. Hernández said the Dominican’s meticulous cigar-making process, from seed selection to aging, has helped build its global reputation. Tobacco and cigars were declared Cultural Heritage in 2022, emphasizing their role in national identity.

    Hernández said the industry generates 120,000 direct jobs, supporting thousands of families, and that women make up 70% of the workforce. He also called for market diversification, especially targeting China and Europe, and stressed the importance of training young artisans to preserve the tradition.