Habit is stronger than progress. The tobacco market in Kyrgyzstan has grown in terms of classic cigarettes

Despite the increase in excise taxes and the emergence of new smoking formats, Kyrgyzstanis remain loyal to traditional cigarettes. According to data for January–September, revenues from tobacco taxes amounted to 6.98 billion KGS, which is significantly higher than last year's figure of 12.78 million KGS for the same period.

The main share of revenue — 6.61 billion KGS (94%) — came from filter cigarettes, confirming the continued dominance of traditional tobacco on the market.

Kyrgyzstanis still prefer classic cigarettes, while interest in alternative smoking formats remains limited.

• Filter cigarettes – 6.61 billion KGS;
• Cigars and cigarillos – 764,000 KGS;
• Pipe, hookah and chewing tobacco – 27,600 KGS;
• Heated tobacco products – 334 million KGS.

For comparison, in 2024, heated tobacco was not included in the statistics as a separate category.

The growth in excise revenue from tobacco products can be explained, among other things, by the increase in rates established by the law of 3 April 2023. Thus, from 1 January this year, the base rates are:

• 3,000 KGS per 1,000 filter cigarettes (previously 2,750 KGS);
• 300 KGS per cigar (previously 275 KGS);
• 2,500 KGS per kilogram of hookah or chewing tobacco (previously 2,250 KGS);
• 4,500 KGS per kilogram of heated tobacco (previously 4,100 KGS).

The tobacco market in Kyrgyzstan remains traditional. Despite the spread of electronic devices and tobacco heating systems, their share of sales is still small.