non-Cuban vs Cuban prices

[Locke]

If this is inappropriate feel free to delete this thread, but I was wondering if anyone knows the answer to this question.

Why are Cuban cigars so much more expensive than non-Cuban cigars? For example, a box of R&J churchill sized Cuban cigars will be hundreds of US dollars, no? (I'm talking about buying them in countries where it's legal to possess them, NOT black market US or buying them outside the US with the intent to bring them into the US). However a similar box of non-Cubans can sometimes be LESS than 100 USD. I've enjoyed both Cuban cigars (NOT in US) and non-Cubans, and cannot say one is better than the other. Any reasons as to the big price difference?

[chefchris]

I find Cuban cigar prices to be pretty reasonable.

Keep in mind it's illegal for a US citizen to smoke cuban cigars ANYWHERE in the world, not just in the US.

[bigwhiteash]

I imagine it's just like anything else, Cuba has it's "super-Premium" cigars, and their everyday cigars. Just like Non-Cuban. for instance, a box of AF Anejo 48's is going to cost you hundreds of dollars.

It may have something to do with supply / demand also, since there are literally hundreds of non cuban brands being distributed worldwide, while there are only about 30 cuban brands that I know of.

[BigMacFU]

Anejos actually have very low MSRP's, just can't find them at MSRP.

Anyway, as Chris noted, all US citizens are prohibited (w/o govt. approval) from purchasing and consuming Cuban goods anywhere in the world.

That being said, Cuban prices can be very high in different parts of the world because of the local VAT/Tax. In Canada, all cigars, Cuban or not are very, very expensive because of VAT. Same with Australia. I know in Hong Kong the VAT can be very bad too.

[bigwhiteash]

Anejos actually have very low MSRP's, just can't find them at MSRP.

It was the first thing that came to mind, because I'm smoking an Anejo 48 OR right now

MSRP $218.75 / box of 25... if you find THAT deal, I'll take three

[Newfie]

How many "hundreds" you talking about?

Depending on where you live and taxation, etc, yes, very expensive. Here in Canada, probably $800 a box as a guess.

However, where I'll be in 2 days time, they're reasonably priced!!!!!

[ashauler]

The distribution of cuban cigars is tightly controlled by their gov't isn't it? Are prices set by them as well?