Illicit cigarette market in Moldova at 8.8% in April- May 2026
The share of illicit cigarettes in the Republic of Moldova increased to 8.8% in April- May 2026, up from 6.9% in September- October 2025, according to the latest IPSOS study.
The research indicates that the main source of illicit trade remains cigarettes of unknown origin, those not compliant with legal requirements, and/or unauthorized copies of authentic brands. Their share increased from 3.8% in the previous wave to 6.6% in the current wave, with a significant increases in the North (from 5.0% to 9.6%) and South (from 3.8% to 10.9%) regions of the country.
