Abstract: To clarify the relationship and spatial distribution of tar content and chemical components in Chinese flue-cured tobacco, the contents of tar and related chemical components in 812 C3F samples of flue-cured tobacco leaves, gathered from 18 provinces during 2010-2012, were tested and analyzed. A regression model was established and the results showed that statistically significant negative correlations between tar content and the contents of K₂O and cellulose, and significant positive correlations between the tar content and the total alkaloid content were detected in every year, and an obvious indirect effect was observed between tar content and contents of the other chemical components. Overall the difference of the annual tar contents did not change the group classification of the different regions. The regions of stable low tar content mainly distributed in Nanping, Sanming, Longyan, Shaoguan, Fuzhou, Chizhou, Pengshui, Shizhu, Qianjiang, Wushan, Youyang, Fengjie, Wanzhou, while the unstable or partially distributed regions consisted of Dandong, Yanbian, Ankang, Shiyan and Zhangjiajie. Therefore, the main factors influencing tar content were the contents of K₂O, the total alkaloid and cellulose, and the low tar content regions were mainly located in the areas of Wuyi Mountains, Wushan-dabashan areas, and Changbai Mountains.