On May 31, 2025, the world marks World No Tobacco Day, focusing attention on the global tobacco industry and its public health consequences. Tobacco use continues to be a leading cause of preventable deaths worldwide, contributing to over eight million fatalities annually, with more than seven million resulting from direct tobacco consumption.
In 2022, global production of unmanufactured tobacco reached approximately 5.8 million tonnes. China remains the dominant producer, accounting for nearly one-third of this total. India and Brazil follow as significant producers, with output volumes close to 770,000 and 683,000 tonnes respectively, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Despite the widespread health risks associated with tobacco, its production and consumption persist. Interestingly, surveys suggest that smoking frequency in China is relatively low, with about 42% of surveyed individuals smoking only occasionally. Similar patterns are observed in Germany, Spain, and the United States.
World's Top 10 Tobacco Producing Countries (2023)
| Rank | Country | Production (Metric Tonnes) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 2,296,700 |
| 2 | India | 769,671 |
| 3 | Brazil | 683,469 |
| 4 | Indonesia | 238,806 |
| 5 | Zimbabwe | 236,815 |
| 6 | United States | 196,160 |
| 7 | Pakistan | 151,858 |
| 8 | Tanzania | 122,859 |
| 9 | Argentina | 107,880 |
| 10 | North Korea | 87,427 |
India holds the position as the second-largest producer and consumer of unmanufactured tobacco, with production nearing 770,000 tonnes. Tobacco remains an urgent public health challenge in India, accounting for approximately 1.35 million deaths annually. The most common tobacco products consumed in the country include smokeless forms such as khaini, gutkha, and betel quid.
Tobacco products are widely accessible and affordable, contributing to sustained consumption rates. A recent survey indicated that about 36% of urban Indian participants reported smoking cigarettes at least occasionally, highlighting continued usage even amid health campaigns.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated the 2025 theme for World No Tobacco Day as "Protecting children from tobacco industry interference". It calls on governments worldwide to safeguard youth from aggressive tobacco marketing strategies, aiming to reduce future addiction rates and associated health consequences.
Efforts to raise awareness and encourage tobacco cessation remain critical to addressing the ongoing burden of tobacco-related diseases worldwide.
