Kazakhstan Sees Surge in Tobacco Stick Exports to Uzbekistan

Kazakhstan has sharply increased its exports of tobacco sticks to Uzbekistan, sending 321.8 tonnes valued at $9.7 mln between January and September.

Uzbekistan has become the primary buyer, accounting for 82% of Kazakhstan’s total exports by volume. Previously, shipments to Uzbekistan were negligible, with only 0.3 kilograms exported during the first nine months of 2024. Tobacco sticks were officially categorised in EAEU statistics in early 2022, meaning earlier figures mostly reflect re-exports.

The surge is likely linked to the launch of Kazakhstan’s first production line for Philip Morris IQOS sticks, announced in April 2025, after which exports increased significantly.

Uzbekistan is not only the main buyer but also Kazakhstan’s largest supplier of tobacco sticks. Over the same nine months, it exported 606.5 tonnes worth $17.4 mln to Kazakhstan — almost double the amount Kazakhstan exported there. British American Tobacco produces and sells sticks for the Glo system in Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan has retained its position as the largest supplier for two years, replacing Russia, which saw exports to Kazakhstan drop sharply in 2023. In 2022, Russia supplied nearly all tobacco stick imports to Kazakhstan, around 1,900 tonnes, but deliveries fell after British American Tobacco withdrew from the Russian market.

Currently, Kazakhstan imports 985 tonnes of tobacco sticks in total, with Uzbekistan accounting for 62%, Indonesia 30%, and Poland around 6%.