The market for handmade cigars in the United States continues to demonstrate robust strength, with demand remaining high throughout the first half of the year. From January to May, the U.S. imported 154.6 million premium handmade cigars, a figure almost identical to the 154.9 million imported during the same period in 2023. This stability in import numbers signals that the cigar boom, which began four years ago, shows no signs of slowing down.

Nicaragua, the top exporter of handmade cigars to the United States, saw a slight increase in shipments, with 98.4 million cigars imported in the first five months of this year. This represents a 3 percent rise from the 95.5 million imported during the same timeframe in 2023. The country continues to solidify its position as a dominant force in the premium cigar market, contributing significantly to the overall health of the industry.

On the other hand, imports from the Dominican Republic and Honduras experienced declines. The Dominican Republic, the second-largest exporter to the U.S., shipped 29.9 million cigars, marking a 5.6 percent decrease from the previous year. Honduras followed closely with 24.9 million cigars; an 8.3 percent drop compared to the first five months of 2023. Despite these declines, the overall market remains strong, buoyed by Nicaragua’s steady growth.

Last year, more than 467 million handmade, premium cigars were imported into the United States, nearly matching the figures from 2022. This consistency underscores the sustained demand for high-quality cigars, which has kept the industry thriving. Historically, a strong year in the cigar business was defined by imports reaching the 300 million mark. However, over the past three years, imports have consistently hit or exceeded the 400 million mark, reflecting the ongoing boom in the industry.

If current trends persist, 2024 is on track to be another strong year for the cigar market, with imports likely to once again surpass the 400 million milestone. This continued growth highlights the resilience and enduring appeal of handmade cigars among U.S. consumers, ensuring that the industry remains vibrant and dynamic.