Uzbekistan Becomes Primary Buyer of Kazakh Sticks

Kazakhstan has significantly increased its export of tobacco sticks to Uzbekistan. Between January and September, the country supplied 321.8 tons of products to Uzbekistan, with a total value of $9.7 million.

Uzbekistan has become the primary buyer of Kazakh tobacco sticks, accounting for 82% of the total physical volume of exports. Previously, Kazakhstan exported almost no tobacco sticks to Uzbekistan — the figures for 2022, 2023, and 2024 were minimal.

For instance, during the first nine months of 2024, only 0.3 kilograms of tobacco sticks were shipped. According to Eurasian Economic Union statistics, tobacco sticks were classified as a separate category at the beginning of 2022, so prior data mostly included re-exports.

It is worth noting that the sharp increase in export volumes is likely linked to the launch of the first production line for tobacco sticks for Philip Morris's IQOS system in Kazakhstan. This project reportedly began operations in April 2025, after which export figures surged significantly.

Additionally, Uzbekistan is not only the main buyer but also the largest supplier of tobacco sticks to Kazakhstan. Over nine months, Uzbekistan delivered 606.5 tons of tobacco sticks to Kazakhstan, with export volumes reaching $17.4 million, which is nearly double Kazakhstan's exports.

In Uzbekistan, tobacco sticks for the Glo system are manufactured and sold by British American Tobacco. Uzbekistan has maintained its status as the largest supplier over the past two years.

Previously, this position was held by Russia, but in 2023, its exports nearly ceased. In 2022, almost all tobacco sticks imported by Kazakhstan came from Russia, amounting to 1,900 tons.

However, the suspension of supply was a result of British American Tobacco's withdrawal from the Russian market. Currently, Kazakhstan's total tobacco stick imports stand at 985 tons.

Uzbekistan accounts for 62% of this volume, Indonesia for 30%, and Poland for approximately 6%. Read “Zamin” on Telegram!