Turkey’s total tobacco production for 2001 is expected to reach 187,300 metric tons, exceeding early predictions, stated the Global Agricultural Information Network’s (GAIN) semi annual Turkey Tobacco and Product’s report.
Turkish total tobacco exports reached 55,257 metric tons during the first eight months of 2001. The USDA sponsored report predicted that exports should reach 90,000 metric tons by the end of the year compared to 100,194 metric tons in 2000.
Reasons for the drop in tobacco exports include lower cigarette consumption in the West and economic difficulties in the Former Soviet Union. During the first eight months of the year the United States was the leading importer (23,875 metric tons) of Turkish tobacco followed by the EU (16,763 metric tons) and the Former Soviet Union (3,140 metric tons).
As for tobacco products, while domestic consumption of cigarettes increased only slightly, production and exports increased significantly. Total domestic disappearance was about 116 billion pieces for 2001 and is projected at the same level for 2002.
Turkey continues to be one of the largest cigarette consuming countries. To meet domestic and export demand, manufacturers are increasing their production capacity and investing in new plants. — (Mena Report)
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
