Cigarette Production Plummets in March, Lowest Since When?

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Indonesia’s cigarette production fell in March 2026 in line with its historical patterns. Data from the Directorate General of Customs and Excise under the Ministry of Finance shows that cigarette production in March 2026 reached 20 billion sticks. This figure plunged 29.3% compared to February 2026 (month-to-month/mtm) and dropped 17.7% compared to March 2025 (year-on-year/yoy). Tracing back from 2016 to 2026, March 2026 cigarette production is the lowest at least since 2017, or over 10 years. Overall, cigarette production from January to March 2026 reached 71.2 billion sticks, up 4.1% compared to the same period last year. Production for January-March 2026 is considered low compared to the average for January-March or the first quarter over the past nine years (73 billion sticks). The decline in cigarette production in March 2026 cannot be separated from its historical context, namely the long Eid holiday. Eid al-Fitr 2026 fell on 21 March 2026, with the long holiday running from 17 March 2026 to 24 March 2026. The holiday reduced production activities. Public consumption had also already peaked before Eid.