U.S. Cigar Imports Reach 430 Million in 2024, Marking Modest Growth
The U.S. imported 430 million handmade cigars in 2024, a slight 0.9% increase from 2023. This marks the fourth consecutive year of imports exceeding 400 million units.
Cigar Imports Continue Upward Trend as 2024 Ends with Modest Growth
The final figures are in for 2024, and despite headwinds in some key producing regions, the United States recorded a slight increase in handmade cigar imports, totalling 430 million premium cigars for the year. That represents a 0.9% rise over the revised 2023 total of 426.3 million, according to new data from the Cigar Association of America.
This marks the fourth year in a row that U.S. imports of handmade cigars have surpassed the 400-million-unit threshold—an indicator of continued consumer demand and resilience in the premium cigar market. Notably, the Cigar Association recently adjusted its 2023 figures downward from 467.8 million to 426.3 million, revealing that the market had in fact dipped slightly in that year before rebounding in 2024.
Nicaragua maintained its lead as the top supplier, exporting 253.1 million cigars, a 2.7% increase from the previous year. The Central American country now accounts for nearly 59% of all handmade cigars imported into the U.S., further solidifying its dominant position in the global cigar industry.
By contrast, the Dominican Republic and Honduras, which hold the second and third positions respectively, experienced declines. The Dominican Republic shipped 106 million cigars, down 1.8%, while Honduras saw a 3.3% drop to 67.4 million cigars.
Together, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras—often referred to as The Big Three—accounted for more than 99% of all handmade cigar imports to the U.S. in 2024.
A notable outlier was Costa Rica, a smaller player, which posted a significant gain of 44.9%, shipping 2.5 million cigars—a promising figure for a country still carving out its niche in the market. No other producing nation surpassed the one-million mark.
Just five years ago, 300 million cigars was considered a strong annual benchmark. The pandemic-era surge in cigar interest, often referred to as the second cigar boom, has since propelled the market forward. Imports have grown by 27% since 2019, when the U.S. brought in 338 million handmade cigars.
While 2024’s growth may be modest compared to previous pandemic-driven spikes, it reflects a stable and maturing market—still expanding, but with a more measured pace. All signs suggest that premium handmade cigars remain a valued luxury for American consumers, even in a shifting global economy.
