Cuban farmers planted 10,378 hectares of tobacco by February 2025. This nearly meets the revised 10,500-hectare target but falls short of the original 14,771-hectare goal, according to Agencia Cubana de Noticias.
Production still struggles due to Hurricane Ian’s devastation in Pinar del Río, Cuba’s main cigar tobacco region. Before the hurricane, Cuba planned to plant over 16,000 hectares and harvest 17,600 tons. The 2023-24 crop started at 13,000 hectares but later dropped to 10,200 hectares.
A shortage of curing barns continues to limit production. Hurricane Ian destroyed 90% of the barns, causing major delays. Osvaldo Santana Vera of Tabacuba stressed the need for more wood deliveries to rebuild them. Heavy rains in September 2024 wiped out 10,000 seed beds, delaying planting into early 2025.
What This Means for Australian Cigar Enthusiasts
Australian cigar smokers may face continued shortages of premium Cuban Tobacco, Cuban cigars and higher prices due to limited supply. As a Habanos Specialist, Firmin Cigars stays committed to securing the finest Cuban cigars. Long-time suppliers, Pacific Cigar Company, support these efforts.
Cigar lovers should buy their favourite Cuban cigars now while stocks last. High-end Nicaraguan and Dominican cigars remain excellent alternatives, offering superb craftsmanship and bold flavours.
Trent Firmin 20/3/2025
