By the end of May, the United States recorded a record high in purchases of tobacco and cigarettes from China, totaling 274.4 million dollars and signaling a continued surge in cross-border trade. This amount marks the highest monthly value since January 2022, according to open trade data. [Source: RIA News attribution]
The United States has expanded its imports of Chinese tobacco products for four consecutive months. In the most recent period, American buyers supplied roughly a third of China’s tobacco and cigarette exports, signaling the United States as a leading destination for these goods. The trend highlights a sustained demand within the U.S. market for Chinese tobacco products, even as global supply chains experience shifts and regulatory scrutiny. [Source: RIA News attribution]
During May, the United Kingdom claimed the second spot in Chinese cigarette imports, capturing about 13 percent of the market. Following the U.K. were South Korea and Russia, each at around 7 percent, with the Netherlands and Germany contributing roughly 4 percent each. This distribution illustrates how European and Asian markets intersect with Chinese tobacco production, creating a diverse export landscape. [Source: RIA News attribution]
In related regulatory developments, the Russian government announced a forthcoming prohibition on importing foreign tobacco products without an excise stamp. The measure will also apply to goods originating from the Eurasian Economic Union member states and is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2024. The change underscores how administration policies can shape cross-border tobacco flows and fiscal controls in large markets. [Source: RIA News attribution]
Earlier discussions noted the revenue implications for the Russian budget from illegal cigarette activity in 2023, highlighting concerns about tax evasion and enforcement. This context helps explain why certain markets tighten import rules while others seek to secure legitimate trade channels. [Source: RIA News attribution]