2025 Developments
Nicotine in Tunisia remained broadly stable in 2025, as strong demand for cigarettes and rapid growth in alternative nicotine formats offset the effects of economic pressure, supply constraints and rising informal market activity. Cigarettes continued to dominate consumption, supported by high smoking prevalence and weak enforcement of public health measures, while consumer expenditure increased as effective retail prices rose despite the absence of official price increases. The pursuit of value remained the defining force shaping the market. Recurring shortages of imported products, currency-related import constraints and the limited capacity of Régie Nationale des Tabacs et des Allumettes (RNTA) encouraged consumers to seek lower-cost alternatives, strengthening the role of illicit trade and informal distribution channels. At the same time, alternative nicotine formats gained momentum as consumers looked for more affordable and accessible options, with growth increasingly supported by informal retail networks and emerging online platforms. The market remained highly concentrated, with RNTA and Manufacture des Tabacs de Kairouan (MTK) maintaining effective control of the regulated nicotine market under Tunisia’s state-controlled supply model. Small local grocers remained the leading route to market despite formal restrictions on nicotine retailing, reflecting the gap between regulation and retail reality. Looking ahead, market performance is expected to depend heavily on the ability of RNTA to improve supply availability, while declining smoking prevalence, continued value-seeking behaviour and growing interest in heated tobacco are expected to reshape demand. Heated tobacco is projected to represent the most significant growth opportunity over the forecast period, supported by increasing consumer awareness and continued investment in reduced-risk alternatives.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Nicotine industry in Tunisia with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to the following key categories, where applicable:
- Cigarettes
- Cigars, Cigarillos and Smoking Tobacco
- Smokeless Tobacco, E-Vapour Products and Heated Tobacco
If you're in the Nicotine industry in Tunisia, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Nicotine in Tunisia report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Nicotine in Tunisia?
- Which are the leading brands in Nicotine in Tunisia?
- How are products distributed in Nicotine in Tunisia?
- Which category is the most heavily taxed in Tunisia?
- How is the operating environment for Nicotine changing?
- What are the current legislative restrictions applicable to the sale of Nicotine products in Tunisia?
- How has COVID-19 impacted demand?
- How have national lockdown and enforced home seclusion following COVID-19 impacted sales?
- Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
Nicotine in Tunisia
2025 Developments
Key Data Insights
Alternative Nicotine Formats Offset Weakness in Traditional Tobacco
Pursuit of Value Drives Consumers Towards Informal Channels
Alternative Nicotine Formats Gain Momentum as Consumers Seek Affordable Alternatives
Supply Constraints and Illicit Trade Forecast to Shape Market Performance
Declining Smoking Prevalence Is Expected to Gradually Reduce Cigarette Demand
Heated Tobacco Is Set to Emerge as the Leading Growth Opportunity
State-Owned Rnta and Mtk Sustain Absolute Control as Rivals Stagnate
Small Local Grocers Remain Central Despite Restrictions on Formal Nicotine Retailing
E-Commerce Remains Limited Despite Growth in Alternative Nicotine Formats
Dedicated Online Platforms Build Awareness of Heated Tobacco and Nicotine Pouches
Affordability Pressures and Reduced-Risk Alternatives Are Reshaping Innovation Priorities
Wotofo Devices and Camel Blue Adaptations Illustrate Innovation Shaped by Value and Accessibility
Innovation Reinforces the Competitive Advantage of Informal Channels
Legislation
Legislative Overview
Minimum Legal Smoking Age
Smoking Prevalence
Tar Levels
Health Warnings
Plain Packaging
Advertising and Sponsorship
Point-Of-Sale Display Bans
Smoking in Public Places
Low Ignition Propensity (Lip) Cigarette Regulation
Flavoured Tobacco Product Ban
Vapour Products
Production/Imports/Exports
Cigarettes in Tunisia
Key Data Insights
Cigarettes Summary
Recurring Shortages and Illicit Trade Continue to Pressure Cigarette Volumes
Affordability Pressures Reinforce Demand for Illicit Alternatives
Cross-Format Consumption Expands as Smokers Adapt to Shortages
Recurring Shortages Are Expected to Prolong Legal Market Decline
Illicit Cigarettes Are Set to Benefit From Persistent Affordability Gaps
Stable Smoking Prevalence Is Expected to Sustain Underlying Demand
Rnta and Mtk Sustain Dominance through Exclusive Market Control
Small Local Grocers Extend Reach through Strong Accessibility
Regulatory Barriers Prevent Online and Modern Trade Entry
Informal Alternatives and Cross-Format Consumption Shape Innovation Activity
Illicit Cigarettes and Informal Vaping Products Fill Gaps Left by Legal Supply
Informal Innovation Increasingly Shapes Consumer Behaviour and Market Development
Taxation Rates
Average Cigarette Pack Price Breakdown
Cigars, Cigarillos and Smoking Tobacco in Tunisia
Key Data Insights
Cigars, Cigarillos and Smoking Tobacco Summary
Supply Constraints Drive a Near-Collapse in Legal Retail Volume
Illicit Trade Expands as Legal Supply Shortages Create a Distribution Vacuum
Alternative Nicotine Formats Accelerate the Decline in Traditional Tobacco
Formal Supply Constraints Set to Continue Limiting Category Development
Supportive Policy Measures Are Unlikely to Unlock Substantial Formal Growth
Rnta Retains Near-Total Control as Rivals Remain Absent
Specialist Retail and Hospitality Remain Central to Legal Distribution
Legal Restrictions Continue to Constrain Online Retail Development
Smokeless Tobacco, E-Vapour Products and Heated Tobacco in Tunisia
Key Data Insights
Smokeless Tobacco, E-Vapour Products and Heated Tobacco Summary
Heated Tobacco and Nicotine Pouches Drive Strong Category Growth
Heated Tobacco Gains Momentum as Consumers Move Away From Cigarettes
Nicotine Pouches Establish a New Growth Platform within Smokeless Tobacco
Heated Tobacco Is Forecast to Remain the Main Driver of Category Growth
Nicotine Pouches Expected to Strengthen Smokeless Tobacco Growth
E-Vapour Products Set to Expand through Informal Channels
Rnta Maintains Its Dominant Position as Nicotine Pouches Broaden Participation at the Margins
Small Local Grocers Retain Leadership as Specialist Retailers Support Alternative Nicotine Products
Digital Channels Gradually Expand Access to Alternative Nicotine Products
Country Reports Disclaimer
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Nicotine
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- Fine Cut Cigarettes
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- Cigarettes (Illicit+Legal)
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- Cigars
- Cigarillos
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- Pipe Tobacco
- Fine Cut Tobacco
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- Chewing Tobacco
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- Loose US-Style Moist Snuff
- Portion US-Style Moist Snuff
- Swedish-Style Snus
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- Closed System Single Use
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- Closed System Rechargeable (including starter kits)
- Closed System Cartridges
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- Open Vaping Systems Charging and Vapourising Devices
- E-liquids
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- Tobacco Heating Devices
- Heated Tobacco
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- Nicotine Pouches
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- Closed System Single Use (Illicit+Legal)
- Closed System Cartridges (Illicit+Legal)
- E-Liquids (Illicit+Legal)
Nicotine
Passport Nicotine covers the seven major nicotine categories: Cigarettes, Cigars & Cigarillos, Smoking tobacco (made up of Pipe tobacco and RYO tobacco), Smokeless Tobacco (snuff and chewing tobacco), E-Vapour Products (closed and open); Heated Tobacco; and Tobacco Free Oral Nicotine. Smoking paraphernalia such as pipes, rolling papers, lighters or matches, etc., are not included, nor are nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products, which are part of Euromonitor's Passport Consumer Healthcare database.
See all of our definitionsWhy buy this report?
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This report originates from Passport, our Nicotine research and analysis database.
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