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Tag: El Nino

  • Weather Destroys More Than Half of Ecuador’s Tobacco Crop

    Weather Destroys More Than Half of Ecuador’s Tobacco Crop

    A severe crop failure in Ecuador linked to this year’s Super El Niño weather event could significantly reduce the supply of cigar wrapper tobacco. A.S.P. Enterprises Inc., one of Ecuador’s largest tobacco growers, has told customers to expect only 25% to 35% of their orders, according to Halfwheel. Company President and CEO David Perez attributed the shortfall to excessive rainfall that has destroyed much of the crop. Perez said the company still has 40% of its tobacco in the field but expects substantial additional losses. The 18-week growing season began well, but excessive rain during the middle six weeks and continued heavy rainfall during the final six weeks severely damaged the crop.

    Ecuador supplies wrapper tobacco to many major cigar manufacturers, including Connecticut shade, Cuban-seed, and Sumatra-seed varieties. A Halfwheel analysis of cigars introduced at the 2026 PCA Convention and Trade Show found that about one-third used Ecuadorian wrappers. Perez said the crop failure has also forced the company to send agricultural workers home early. Reduced wrapper supplies are expected to reach cigar manufacturers next year, although additional aging and processing mean consumers may not feel the effects for several years. Perez said the impact could be greater because some manufacturers have reduced wrapper inventories in recent years amid rising prices.

  • Philippines Urges Early Tobacco Planting Amid El Niño Threat

    Philippines Urges Early Tobacco Planting Amid El Niño Threat

    The Philippines’ National Tobacco Administration (NTA) is urging farmers to begin planting tobacco earlier than usual to reduce the potential impact of an anticipated El Niño-induced dry spell, while maintaining its forecast for stable tobacco production in the 2025-2026 crop year. NTA Administrator Belinda Sanchez said the agency expects total tobacco output to reach about 51 million kg, including approximately 20 million kg of Virginia tobacco, broadly in line with last year’s levels.

    To help crops avoid peak summer dryness, the NTA is advising farmers to complete planting by mid-December rather than extending activities through the end of the month. Deputy Administrator Nestor Casela said earlier that planting would allow crops to benefit from existing soil moisture and improve their chances of surviving prolonged dry conditions. The agency has also prepared contingency support through its risk management and contract-growing programs for farmers affected by weather-related losses. Despite climate concerns, the NTA said market conditions remain favorable, with surplus inventories from the previous harvest largely absorbed by buyers. Trading of Virginia tobacco is expected to continue through the end of the month, supported by demand from major cigarette manufacturers including Japan Tobacco International and Philip Morris International, which source leaf through wholesale dealers such as Universal Leaf and Trans Manila Inc.