Share of Illicit Cigarette Market in Turkey Reaches 6.2 Percent

A new study conducted by NielsenIQ has revealed the size of the illicit cigarette market across Turkey and changes in its distribution by provinces. According to the data obtained, illicit cigarettes make up 6.2 percent of the total market, while rates were observed to rise rapidly in certain metropolitan cities.

Rates Varying by Province

The results of the research revealed that the use of illicit cigarettes has increased significantly in the Aegean Region as well as border cities in Southeastern Anatolia.

While drops in illicit cigarette rates were recorded in provinces such as Gaziantep and Mersin, significant increases occurred in Istanbul and Denizli.

Increases in Istanbul and Denizli Draw Attention

In Istanbul, the illicit cigarette rate doubled within a year, rising from 4.7 percent to 9.4 percent.

In the province of Denizli, this rate reached 10.0 percent from 5.5 percent, and the increase in usage rate gained momentum.

Which Provinces Have the Highest Rates

The province where the rate of foreign-origin cigarettes was measured highest was Şanlıurfa at 13.5 percent, followed by other cities.

Şanlıurfa was followed by Manisa at 12.7 percent and Kahramanmaraş at 11.3 percent, placing them among the three provinces exceeding the 10 percent threshold.

Status of the Tekel 3000 Brand

Among foreign-origin illicit cigarettes, the highest share belongs to the Tekel 3000 brand, which is entirely illicit.

This brand, whose manufacturer cannot be verified and which does not meet regulatory requirements, continues to increase its market share.