Cuban cigar exports soar amid demand for luxury goods

International sales of Cuban cigars, the island nation's most emblematic export, have soared 31% in 2023 as global demand rises for luxury products, according to the country's main tobacco exporter.

China remained the largest global market for cigar exports, followed by Spain, Switzerland, Germany and the United Kingdom. As a region, Europe is the main market, buying up 56 percent of Cuban cigar exports. Cuban tobacco, renowned for being among the best in the world, is one of the island's top export products along with nickel, seafood, vaccines and medical services.