A total of 7,626 tons of tobacco worth 2.25 trillion rials ($54.26 million) were imported into Iran during the first five months of the current Iranian year (March 21-Aug. 22), according to data released by the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration.
Turkey was the biggest exporter with over 3,206 tons worth $26.11 million. Other major exporters of tobacco to Iran during the period were Germany, Brazil, Thailand, Switzerland, the UAE and Jordan, Mizan Online reported.
About 20% of Iran’s demand for tobacco are met by domestic production.
Nearly 65% of Iran’s tobacco, exceeding 5,000 tons, are cultivated in Iran's northern Gilan Province.
The Sixth Five-Year Development Plan (2017-22) has set the target for Iran to become self-sufficient in tobacco production by 2022.
According to the Health Ministry, Iranians smoke about 55 billion cigarettes annually.
