{"id":4173,"date":"2025-02-19T15:41:37","date_gmt":"2025-02-19T14:41:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mylasertabac.com\/do-higher-tobacco-prices-have-a-real-impact-on-smoking-cessation\/"},"modified":"2025-02-24T21:48:35","modified_gmt":"2025-02-24T20:48:35","slug":"do-higher-tobacco-prices-have-a-real-impact-on-smoking-cessation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mylasertabac.com\/en\/do-higher-tobacco-prices-have-a-real-impact-on-smoking-cessation\/","title":{"rendered":"Do higher tobacco prices have a real impact on smoking cessation?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In France, the price of cigarettes continues to rise. Every year, new tax measures add to smokers’ bills. While the stated aim is to reduce tobacco consumption and protect public health, the reality is more complex. Do higher prices really have an impact on smoking cessation? Or is it primarily a tax strategy? <\/p>\n\n

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In this article, we analyze the evolution of tobacco prices in France, their effect on consumption and smoking behavior, and the economic consequences for tobacconists and the tobacco industry. We will also examine alternatives and complementary measures that could have a more significant impact on smoking. <\/p>\n\n

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Tobacco price trends in France<\/h2>\n\n
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For several years now, France has adopted a policy of raising tobacco prices in order to combat smoking. The price of a pack of cigarettes has risen exponentially as a result of successive tax increases. Today, a pack costs an average of \u20ac10.50 to \u20ac13.50<\/strong>, and this increase is set to continue over the coming years. <\/p>\n\n

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Tobacco taxation: first and foremost a fiscal tool<\/h3>\n\n
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Tobacco taxation is mainly based on excise duty, a tax proportional to the price of the pack, and VAT. In France, over 80% of the price of a packet<\/strong> is made up of taxes. This policy is designed to discourage consumption, but it is also a considerable source of revenue for the state. In 2022, tobacco taxes brought in over 15 billion euros<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

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Impact on smokers and households<\/h2>\n\n
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The increase in tobacco prices is having the greatest impact on smokers on modest incomes<\/strong>. They have to choose between smoking and other essential expenses such as food or housing. For some, the rise in prices is an incentive to quit, while others turn to alternative solutions, such as the parallel market or buying abroad<\/strong>.Does the rise in tobacco prices really reduce consumption? <\/p>\n\n

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One of the main justifications for price hikes is their deterrent effect on tobacco consumption. But what is really the case? <\/p>\n\n

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Contrasting results for smoking cessation<\/h3>\n\n
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Studies show that every 10% increase in the price of tobacco leads to a 4% drop in consumption among adults, and up to 9% among young people<\/strong>. These figures suggest that price increases are effective in limiting smoking initiation, but their impact on smoking cessation is more uncertain. <\/p>\n\n

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On the one hand, some smokers take advantage of these increases to try to quit smoking. On the other, many are simply adapting their behavior by consuming differently: <\/p>\n\n

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