In colonial Maryland, coins were scarce, so pounds of tobacco became a common form of payment.
Tobacco remained an important part of Maryland’s economy for generation, specifically Southern Maryland. Its legacy can still be seen in the region’s historic barns and farms.
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Lancaster County farmers began growing tobacco in the early 1800s, largely for personal use, including pipe smoking.
By 1859, the county grew 65% of Pennsylvania’s tobacco crop. While most PA tobacco is grown for cigars, some leaf is still used in pipe blends today.
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For more than 400 years, tobacco has been part of Virginia’s story, from the earliest commercial crops at Jamestown to the farms and tobacco towns that followed.
Today, Virginia pipe tobacco is known for its natural sweetness and versatility.
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The Pipe Tobacco Council was on the ground in Cheyenne, Wyoming, for the 30th Annual Rocky Mountain Cigar Festival, hosted by Smoker Friendly.
Pictured: Andrew Schepers, Director of State Affairs, & PTC Chairman Leonard Wortzel of Scandinavian Tobacco Group.
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U.S. pipe tobacco exports have climbed steadily since 2020, reaching new highs in 2025. Mexico led demand, with exports also growing across Asia, Latin America, and Europe, underscoring the category's expanding global reach. #PTC#PipeTobaccoCouncil#MarketTrends#ExportTrends
Pipe tobacco imports jumped from around 207,000 kg in 2020 to over 1.4 million kg by 2022 before entering a volatile phase.
This shows a real shift in how much of this product is coming into the market.
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From 2020 to 2025, U.S. pipe tobacco imports experienced an unusually volatile period of rapid growth, sharp declines, and renewed expansion. The data suggest the industry is undergoing a broader transition driven by evolving market conditions.
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Indonesia was barely a factor in U.S. packaged pipe tobacco imports before 2022.
Then imports surged to more than 868,000 kg in a single year, resetting the market. That's why later declines and rebounds need to be viewed in context.
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Pipe tobacco is thriving. Imports have grown from 207,000 kg in 2020 to over 1 million kg today — a remarkable five-year run.
Consumer interest in the category has never been stronger, and that's a story worth telling.
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5 years ago, U.S. packaged pipe tobacco imports were just above 200,000 kg annually. Today, they remain several times higher.
Indonesia sparked the surge in 2022, but growth has since been driven by suppliers including the Dominican Republic and Denmark.
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Is 2025 really a breakout year for pipe tobacco imports?
Not necessarily.
After peaking in 2022 and correcting in 2023, 2025 looks more like a return to a higher import baseline than the start of a new trend.
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PTC attended the Chicago Pipe Show, which celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. The event remains the world’s largest pipe exhibition, bringing together pipe makers, enthusiasts, and 100+ vendors. PTC is proud to stay engaged with the industry.
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After a multi-year effort led by PTC advocates, Governor Spencer Cox signed House Bill 447 into law to open Utah for online sales of pipe tobacco. The law takes effect January 1, 2027. This is a huge win for consumer choice and fair access.
Read more: https://t.co/fIWm47OJ34
PTC is proud to sponsor the smoking tent at the 2026 Chicago International Pipe Show. We are honored to help bring the global pipe community together and look forward to celebrating the show’s 30th anniversary.
Learn more: https://t.co/eextn9wbBt
U.S. pipe tobacco exports continued to gain momentum in 2025, with shipments increasing 326% year-over-year. Growth was driven by strong demand from Mexico, alongside expanding markets in Asia, highlighting the increasingly global reach of U.S. pipe tobacco. #ptc#pipetobacco
The Pipe Tobacco Council attended the 2026 Muletown Pipe Show this past weekend at BriarWorks in Columbia, TN. PTC President Scott Pearce (pictured) and the team enjoyed engaging with members of the pipe community and sharing PTC’s mission.
Imports of pipe parts more than doubled through September 2025. At the same time, imports of finished pipes and bowls declined in traditional materials such as wood and clay, while plastics and NESOI-classified products increased.
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The Pipe Tobacco Council will attend the 2026 Muletown Pipe Show, March 6–8 in Columbia, Tennessee. Hosted at BriarWorks USA, the show brings together pipe enthusiasts from across the country.
We look forward to engaging in conversations important to our industry.
While pipe tobacco imports increased, the roll-your-own tobacco market showed moderation in 2025. Import volumes declined 27%, and total import value decreased 43%, reflecting lower quantities and adjustments in average value per kilogram.
Learn more: https://t.co/1oHWuBntiG
Pipe tobacco imports reached 2.4 million kilograms year-to-date in 2025. The Dominican Republic and Germany accounted for much of this increase, while imports from several other countries declined sharply.
Read more here: https://t.co/Pnb5hIKwr1