Dominican Cigar Industry Booms with Over 8 Billion Cigars Produce

The Dominican Republic has once again solidified its reputation as the cigar capital of the world. Recent figures from the Dominican Tobacco Institute (Intabaco) reveal that the nation now produces more than 8.4 billion cigars annually, making it the global leader in cigar exports. Of this staggering total, over 181 million are hand-rolled masterpieces, while the majority—more than 8.2 billion—are crafted using modern machinery.

At the Dominican Cigar Expo 2025 in Santiago, Intabaco’s director Iván Hernández Guzmán emphasized the deep economic and cultural importance of tobacco in the country. The industry contributes 10% of the Dominican Republic’s exports, generating over $1.34 billion each year, second only to gold. Beyond its economic weight, the cigar trade is a vital source of livelihood, supporting over 110,000 jobs nationwide, with more than 40,000 of those within free trade zones. Across 15 provinces, some 160 tobacco-processing companies continue to cultivate the craft, yielding more than 330,000 quintals of tobacco each year.

When it comes to premium cigar exports, the United States remains the leading destination, accounting for 88% of shipments, while another 10% makes its way to the European Union. This global demand highlights the Dominican Republic’s unmatched reputation for excellence, consistency, and tradition in cigar making.

For cigar aficionados worldwide, the Dominican Republic is not just a producer—it is a symbol of craftsmanship, heritage, and passion. Every hand-rolled cigar tells a story, blending generations of expertise with the fertile soils of the Caribbean.


Whether enjoyed alongside a glass of fine whiskey or collected as a piece of cultural history, Dominican cigars remain a timeless indulgence. At OlfactoART, we celebrate this artistry by capturing the spirit of cigars through bold abstract expression—turning a centuries-old tradition into vivid, modern visual stories.