North America Cigarette Market Outlook, 2028

North America represents the third largest market for cigarettes. Many individuals in North America lead hectic and stressful lifestyles due to factors such as demanding work schedules, long commutes, and social pressures. Some people turn to smoking as a way to cope with stress or to take breaks during the day. Cigarettes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance. Once individuals become addicted to nicotine, they may continue to use cigarettes even when they are aware of the health risks. Nicotine addiction plays a significant role in sustaining the demand for cigarettes. Smoking has a long history in North America and has been part of the social fabric for many decades. While attitudes towards smoking have evolved, there are still social situations where smoking is prevalent and socially acceptable. Historically, tobacco companies in North America have invested heavily in marketing and advertising campaigns to promote their products. These efforts have targeted specific demographics and have contributed to the continued consumption of cigarettes. Some individuals perceive smoking as a form of stress relief or relaxation, which can lead to increased cigarette consumption, especially during stressful periods. Cigarettes are widely available and easily accessible in North America. They can be purchased at convenience stores, gas stations, and other retail outlets, making them convenient for consumers. While there have been significant regulations on tobacco products in North America, including health warnings on packaging and restrictions on advertising, the regulatory environment can vary by state or province. Variations in regulations can influence market dynamics. Economic conditions and consumer disposable income can also influence cigarette sales. During economic downturns, some consumers may cut back on discretionary spending, including cigarettes.

According to the research report, “North America Cigarette Market Outlook, 2028” the North America Cigarette market was valued at more than USD 95 Billion in 2022. The popularity of alternative nicotine products, such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and vaping devices, has been on the rise. While some users see these products as potentially less harmful alternatives to traditional cigarettes, concerns exist about their health effects, especially among young people. North American governments have continued to implement and strengthen regulations on tobacco products. These include graphic warning labels on cigarette packages, restrictions on tobacco advertising and marketing, and smoking bans in public places. These regulatory changes aim to reduce smoking rates and protect public health. Efforts to prevent young people from starting to smoke have been a priority. Various initiatives, including educational programs and stricter age restrictions for purchasing tobacco products, have been implemented to reduce youth smoking rates. The regulation of e-cigarettes and vaping products has been an evolving trend. Policymakers have been grappling with how to regulate these products to protect public health while still allowing for harm reduction potential for smokers trying quitting. Furthermore, rising consumer awareness towards the adverse health effects of cigarettes has led to a rise in the demand for nicotine-free e-cigarettes. Moreover, the introduction of gender-targeted products, such as skinny and flavored cigarettes for females’ smokers, has also boosted the overall sales of cigarettes. Skinny or slim cigarettes have been designed to be narrower and longer than regular cigarettes. They are often marketed as a way for women to maintain a "slim" or "elegant" image. "Light" or "low-tar" cigarettes have also been marketed as a healthier option, although the health benefits of such products are widely disputed. Flavored cigarettes, such as those with fruit, menthol, or other appealing flavors, have been marketed to attract female smokers. These flavors can mask the harsh taste of tobacco and make smoking more palatable for some individuals.

On a regional level, the market has been classified into United States, Canada and Mexico. Where United States Currently dominates the North America Cigarette Market. The United States has a significantly larger population compared to Canada and Mexico. With a larger population, there are more potential consumers of tobacco products, which drive higher demand. The U.S. has a robust and diverse economy, which means that consumers have relatively higher disposable incomes. This can lead to increased tobacco consumption as people can afford to buy cigarettes. The U.S. market offers a wide variety of cigarette brands and products, including various flavors, styles, and packaging. This diversity caters to different consumer preferences. The U.S. tobacco industry has been known for its extensive marketing and advertising campaigns, which have helped maintain the popularity of cigarettes despite growing awareness of health risks. These campaigns have targeted a wide range of demographics. The United States has implemented various measures to prevent youth smoking, including restrictions on tobacco sales to minors and public awareness campaigns. However, youth smoking remains a concern. Certain regions within the United States, such as North Carolina and Kentucky, have a strong tradition of tobacco cultivation. These regions have a deep connection to the tobacco industry, which can impact local economies and the prevalence of smoking.

Light cigarettes were marketed as a potentially less harmful alternative to regular or full-flavor cigarettes. Many consumers believed that smoking light cigarettes would reduce their exposure to harmful chemicals and decrease the associated health risks. Light cigarettes typically contained lower levels of nicotine compared to regular cigarettes. This was appealing to some smokers who wished to reduce their nicotine intake while continuing to smoke. Light cigarettes were designed to have a milder taste and a smoother smoking experience. This characteristic made them more palatable to individuals who found regular cigarettes too harsh or strong. Tobacco companies employed marketing strategies that emphasized the "light" and "low-tar" attributes of these cigarettes. The packaging often included color-coding and descriptors like "smooth" or "mild," further promoting the perception of reduced harm. Light cigarettes often featured advanced filter technology designed to reduce the levels of certain harmful compounds in the smoke. These filters were marketed as innovations that made light cigarettes a safer choice. Light cigarettes were sometimes used as a smoking cessation aid. Smokers attempting to quit may switch to light cigarettes with the belief that it would make it easier to quit gradually. Light cigarettes were sometimes seen as a gateway for new and younger smokers. Beginners and occasional smokers might choose light cigarettes, thinking they were a less intense introduction to smoking.

Online retail platforms offer unparalleled convenience for consumers. Smokers can purchase cigarettes from the comfort of their homes or anywhere with an internet connection, 24/7. This accessibility is especially appealing to busy or remote consumers. Online retailers often provide a broader selection of cigarette brands and variants compared to brick-and-mortar stores. Consumers can choose from various brands, flavors, and packaging options, allowing for more personalized choices. Online shopping for cigarettes offers a level of anonymity that may be attractive to some consumers, especially those who wish to keep their tobacco use private. Purchases can be discreetly delivered to one's doorstep. Online retailers may offer competitive pricing due to reduced overhead costs associated with physical stores. This can be particularly appealing to cost-conscious consumers seeking lower prices or discounts. Online platforms often allow customers to buy cigarettes in larger quantities or cartons. Bulk purchases can lead to cost savings for consumers who prefer to stock up on their preferred brand. Online retailers have a broader geographic reach than physical stores. This means that consumers in remote or rural areas can access a wider range of cigarette brands and products without the need to travel long distances.

Recent Developments:

• In October 2022, Altria announced a strategic partnership with JT Group to market and commercialize heated tobacco stick products in the United States and to expand the company's heated tobacco product line.
• In March 2023, Imperial Tobacco Group announced that it would be launching a new line of cigarettes called Kent Prime. Kent Prime cigarettes are designed to be less harmful than traditional cigarettes and will be marketed to adult smokers who are looking for a healthier alternative.

Key Players Insights:

British American Tobacco plc , The Japan Tobacco Inc., Imperial Tobacco Group plc, ITC Limited, Korea Tobacco & Ginseng Corporation (KT&G), Habanos S.A, ITC Limited, 22nd Century Group, Inc., Dosal Tobacco Corporation.

Considered in this report

• Geography: North America
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report

• North America Cigarette with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Country-wise Cigarette market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Countries covered in the report:

• United States
• Canada
• Mexico

By Type

• Light
• Medium
• Others

By Distribution Channel

• Speciality Store
• Hypermarket/supermarket
• Convenience Stores
• Online
• Others

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations and organizations related to the Cigarette industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.