Cuban cigar maker eyes 25-30 percent of U.S. market if embargo lifted

Cuban cigar-maker Habanos S.A. envisions gaining 25 percent to 30 percent of the U.S. premium cigar market if the United States lifts its trade embargo on Cuba, potentially selling 70 million to 90 million cigars per year, the company said on Monday. Habanos S.A., a 50-50 joint venture between the Cuban state and Imperial Tobacco Group PLC. (IMT.L), generated sales of $439 million in 2014 without direct access to the U.S. market. The company is also the monopoly guarantor of Cuba's signature export. The prospect of the United States lifting its 53-year-old embargo improved after the United States and Cuba announced on Dec. 17 their intention to restore diplomatic relations.

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