What this market covers
Tobacco prepared for smoking in a water pipe, sold in packs for hookah use.
Typical segments
- Molasses shisha
- Flavoured hookah tobacco
- Premium shisha blends
- Herbal shisha
Why this market is moving now
- World trade grew 18% from 2019 to 2024, a direct read on cross-border demand.
- India is gaining ground: its exports rose 347% from 2019 to 2024, the fastest among the ten largest exporters.
Key figures
Global figures for this market, with the year each one describes. Use Cite to copy a reference to this page.
| Figure | Value | Year | Cite |
|---|---|---|---|
| World exports of water-pipe tobacco (HS 240311) were worth $398.1 million in 2024. | 398.1 USD million | 2024 | |
| World exports were 18% higher in 2024 than in 2019 ($336.1 million), calculated from the annual totals. | +18 % since 2019 | 2024 | |
| Egypt was the largest exporter in 2024, with 30% of world exports ($119.3 million). | 30 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The three largest exporters, Egypt, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, shipped 66% of world exports in 2024. | 66 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| Iraq was the largest importer in 2024, buying $69.0 million, or 17% of world imports. | 17 % of world imports | 2024 | |
| 16 countries exported more than $1 million of this product in 2024. | 16 countries | 2024 | |
| The average world export price was about $8.48 per kilogram in 2024, calculated from value and weight. | 8.48 USD per kg | 2024 | |
| Countries exported 46.9 thousand tonnes of this product in 2024. | 46.9 thousand tonnes | 2024 | |
| Among the ten largest exporters, India grew fastest, with exports up 347% from 2019 to 2024. | +347 % since 2019 | 2024 |
Calculated figures (shares, changes and prices per kilogram) are plain arithmetic on the reported values. Read how we work.
Buyers and suppliers
Who buys
- Hookah lounges
- Tobacco distributors
- Specialty retailers
Largest exporting countries, 2024
Largest importing countries, 2024
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the global market - 03Global market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Countries and regions
Demand, supply and trade by country and region - 05Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 06Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 07Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 08Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 09Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 10Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 11Method and assumptions
How every figure was built
Included with the full report
- PDF report, 40 to 60 pages
- Excel data pack
- Ready-to-use charts
- Method note and assumptions
- Written to order in 5 working days
Frequently asked questions
How big is the global water-pipe tobacco market?
There is no single official market total. World exports of HS 240311 reached $398.1 million in 2024, a direct measure of cross-border trade.
Which countries export the most water-pipe tobacco?
Egypt led world exports in 2024 with 30% of the total, followed by Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Poland.
Which countries import the most water-pipe tobacco?
Iraq was the largest importer in 2024, followed by the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Spain.
Is world trade in water-pipe tobacco growing?
World exports were 18% higher in 2024 than in 2019.
What is the average export price of water-pipe tobacco?
Dividing world export value by weight gives about $8.48 per kilogram in 2024.
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