Import and Production of Cigarettes Decreased

In the four months of this year, Azerbaijan produced 561.3 million cigarettes, which was 13% less than in the comparable period of 2014, the State Statistics Committee said. According to the State Customs Committee (SCC), imports of cigarettes also reduced.

Since the beginning of the year the volume of production of tobacco products in the country (manufacturers - JSC European Tobacco-Baku and LLC Cahan Tobacco) amounted to 6.8 million manat, which was 17.7% less than in the same period in 2014.

At the same time, according to the same SSC, for the four months the retail price of cigarettes in connection with increase of import excise taxes grew by 51.4%.

In January-April, Azerbaijan imported raw tobacco and tobacco products worth $ 105.5 million, which was 9.2% less than in the same period last year.

In 2014, Azerbaijan imported 13.3 billion pieces of tobacco products totaling $ 390 million, which was 17.1% more than in 2013. The production also increased by 66.6% and amounted to 24.3 million manat.

Cigarette consumption in Azerbaijan totals 15 billion pieces a year. That makes about 1,500 pieces per capita. ----08B