Tax and Public Health

Resources related to how cheap tobacco products are a core industry strategy, higher tobacco taxes are effective at reducing smoking rates among vulnerable populations, and how tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable deaths globally.

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World Health Organization “The Economic andHealth Benefits of Tobacco Taxation”

Helpful country examples and graphs on reducing tobacco consumption and substantial revenue generated by tobacco taxes.

Helpful country examples and graphs on reducing tobacco consumption and substantial revenue generated by tobacco …

April 16, 2024 June 5, 2024 9 1 MB pdf Publish
The Tobacco Atlas

Fact sheets with statistics about current rates of smoking and tobacco use with details on youth smoking prevalence and deaths caused by tobacco.

Fact sheets with statistics about current rates of smoking and tobacco use with details on youth smoking prevalence and deaths caused by …

April 16, 2024 June 5, 2024 10 www Publish
Go beyond e-cigarette ban: raise tobacco taxes further to truly protect public health

How Hong Kong can learn from the UK and raise taxes on tobacco products to help curb tobacco use.

How Hong Kong can learn from the UK and raise taxes on tobacco products to help curb tobacco …

April 16, 2024 June 5, 2024 5 www Publish
Tobbaco Tax Is A Public Health Win

Graphic about raising tobacco taxes and how it helps public health.

Graphic about raising tobacco taxes and how it helps public …

April 18, 2024 June 5, 2024 2 849 KB www Publish
Cigarette Consumption

Graphic about how a tax increase can help curb consumption.

Graphic about how a tax increase can help curb …

April 26, 2024 June 4, 2024 www Publish
Raise Tobacco Taxes to Prevent the Addiction of Youth

We support raising tobacco taxes to help prevent the addiction of a new generation of tobacco users

We support raising tobacco taxes to help prevent the addiction of a new generation of tobacco …

April 26, 2024 June 4, 2024 5 www Publish
Affordability of Tobacco Products

Graphic about what children are potentially buying with their lunch money.

 

Graphic about what children are potentially buying with their lunch money. …

May 21, 2024 June 4, 2024 2 www Publish
Which Should Be More Affordable For Your Child?

Graphic showing the price comparison of everyday products like lunch compared to tobacco products.

Graphic showing the price comparison of everyday products like lunch compared to tobacco products.

May 21, 2024 June 4, 2024 6 1 MB png Publish
Affordability of Food vs. Tobacco Products

Graphic about the cost of food vs cheap tobacco products.

Graphic about the cost of food vs cheap tobacco …

May 21, 2024 June 4, 2024 979 KB png Publish
How Affordable is Tobacco?

Country comparison of tobacco prices.

Country comparison of tobacco …

May 22, 2024 June 4, 2024 1 Publish
Tobacco Affordability: Country Specific

Graphic about how tobacco is more affordable in your country due to low taxation. Graphic can be modified in Canva.

Graphic about how tobacco is more affordable in your country due to low taxation. Graphic can be modified in …

May 22, 2024 June 4, 2024 3 www Publish
Mobilizing Youth as Tax Advocates

Case study about mobilizing youth as tax advocates.

 

Case study about mobilizing youth as tax advocates. …

May 22, 2024 June 4, 2024 11 6 MB pdf Publish
Pack of Cigarettes Over Dollar Bills

Graphic about the cost of tobacco products.

Graphic about the cost of tobacco …

May 22, 2024 June 4, 2024 4 13 KB jpg Publish
Dollar Bills Rolled into a Cigarette Pack

Graphic showing the affordability of cigarettes.

Graphic showing the affordability of …

May 22, 2024 June 4, 2024 57 KB jpg Publish
Decrease Smoking

Graphic showing the decrease of smoking as a result of higher taxes.

Graphic showing the decrease of smoking as a result of higher …

May 22, 2024 June 4, 2024 12 791 KB png Publish
Keep Out of Reach of Children

Graphic about dangers of smoking for youth.

Graphic about dangers of smoking for …

May 22, 2024 June 4, 2024 14 178 KB png Publish
The Cigarette Trap

Graphic about the addiction of cigarettes.

Graphic about the addiction of …

May 22, 2024 June 4, 2024 6 180 KB jpg Publish
Don’t be fooled by tobacco

Graphic about the dangers of tobacco being a smoking gun.

Graphic about the dangers of tobacco being a smoking …

May 22, 2024 June 4, 2024 4 283 KB jpg Publish
Death Weight

Graphic about the burden on people with their addiction on tobacco.

Graphic about the burden on people with their addiction on …

May 22, 2024 June 4, 2024 8 744 KB png Publish
Addiction is Hard

Graphic about the harrowing story of addiction.

Graphic about the harrowing story of …

May 22, 2024 June 4, 2024 3 638 KB jpg Publish
Butts or Cash

The impact of addiction on livelihoods.

The impact of addiction on …

May 22, 2024 June 4, 2024 8 36 KB jpg Publish
Tobacco Kills

Graphic showing the deadly impacts of tobacco.

Graphic showing the deadly impacts of …

May 22, 2024 June 4, 2024 5 173 KB png Publish
Op-ed template about how cigarettes shouldn’t be more affordable than milk or eggs.

Op-ed template about how cigarettes in Indonesia shouldn’t be more affordable than milk or eggs. Can be adapted to your country.

Op-ed template about how cigarettes in Indonesia shouldn’t be more affordable than milk or eggs. Can be adapted to your country.

June 4, 2024 June 6, 2024 , 2 28 KB docx Publish
Op-Ed about Affordability of Tobacco Products

Op-ed Template about the affordability of tobacco products and how they should not be so affordable. Can be adapted and adjusted to your campaign.

Op-ed Template about the affordability of tobacco products and how they should not be so affordable. Can be adapted and adjusted to your campaign.

June 4, 2024 June 6, 2024 , 3 30 KB docx Publish
Press Release: World No Tobacco Day: The priority is the health of the population, not the interests of the tobacco companies

Following the introduction of a proposal to modify tobacco taxes in the “Bases Law” project, FIC Argentina warns about the negative effects that said reform may entail and requests to move forward with a policy focused on protecting the health of the population. .

Following the introduction of a proposal to modify tobacco taxes in the “Bases Law” project, FIC Argentina warns about the negative effects that said reform may entail and requests to move forward with a policy focused on protecting the health of the population. …

August 16, 2024 August 17, 2024 , , www Publish
Press Release: Healthy taxes: A Powerful Tool For Preventing NCDs Associated With Tobacco Consumption

With the purpose of promoting healthier consumption habits and promoting the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases, it is worth mentioning the existence of at least two types of fiscal policies that can be promoted: a. On the positive side, subsidies focused on consumption or habits that are sought to be promoted, b. by the negative, taxes focused on consumption or habits that are sought to discourage.

With the purpose of promoting healthier consumption habits and promoting the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases, it is worth mentioning the existence of at least two types of fiscal policies that can be promoted: a. On the positive side, subsidies focused on consumption or habits that are sought to be promoted, b. by the negative, taxes focused on consumption or habits that are sought to …

August 16, 2024 August 17, 2024 2 www Publish
Infographic: Health Taxes in Argentina

Healthy taxes are those designed to target products that negatively impact health, with the goal of discouraging their consumption. These taxes serve as a powerful tool in the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases associated with the consumption of harmful products.

Healthy taxes are those designed to target products that negatively impact health, with the goal of discouraging their consumption. These taxes serve as a powerful tool in the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases associated with the consumption of harmful …

August 16, 2024 August 16, 2024 8 197 KB pdf Publish
Tobacco Taxes: Available Evidence for Argentina

As a consequence of tobacco consumption, it was estimated that approximately 47,700 people die each year in Argentina from diseases linked to smoking and almost $197 billion are spent on direct costs1.

As a consequence of tobacco consumption, it was estimated that approximately 47,700 people die each year in Argentina from diseases linked to smoking and almost $197 billion are spent on direct …

August 16, 2024 August 16, 2024 , 142 KB pdf Publish
Tobacco taxes in Argentina: Current Situation and Recommendations

As a consequence of tobacco consumption, it was estimated that approximately 47,700 people die each year in Argentina from diseases linked to smoking and almost $197 billion are spent on direct costs1.

As a consequence of tobacco consumption, it was estimated that approximately 47,700 people die each year in Argentina from diseases linked to smoking and almost $197 billion are spent on direct costs.

August 16, 2024 August 16, 2024 4 184 KB pdf Publish
Argentina: The Supreme Court Issued Two Rulings In Favor Of The “Minimum Tax” On Cigarettes

In one week, two Supreme Court rulings in favor of the “minimum tax” on cigarettes. Although Argentina has seen a decline in the percentage of smokers since 2005, the country still has a high prevalence of tobacco consumption. The latest National Risk Factor Survey in 2018 reported that 22.2% of the adult population uses tobacco, with 97.2% of these users being cigarette smokers.

In one week, two Supreme Court rulings in favor of the “minimum tax” on cigarettes. Although Argentina has seen a decline in the percentage of smokers since 2005, the country still has a high prevalence of tobacco consumption.

August 16, 2024 August 17, 2024 4 165 KB pdf Publish
Youth Support Tobacco Tax Increase in Costa Rica

Letter to the deputies about proposed increasing taxes on tobacco products.

Letter to the deputies about proposed increasing taxes on tobacco …

March 25, 2025 March 25, 2025 www Publish
National Anti-Tobacco Network: Youth support increasing tobacco taxes

The National Anti-Tobacco Network (Renata) reported this Friday that in recent days it has been interviewing young people to learn their opinions about Bill 23.880, which aims to increase taxes on tobacco products. According to Renata, 100% of those interviewed believe the law should be approved as soon as possible.

The National Anti-Tobacco Network (Renata) reported this Friday that in recent days it has been interviewing young people to learn their opinions about Bill 23.880, which aims to increase taxes on tobacco products. According to Renata, 100% of those interviewed believe the law should be approved as soon as …

March 25, 2025 March 25, 2025 , 12 www Publish
Young Costa Ricans Support Increasing Tobacco Taxes.

The Bill for the Social Responsibility of Tobacco Consumption proposes increasing tobacco taxes and unifying their collection to simplify the work of the Ministry of Finance.

According to the National Anti-Tobacco Network (RENATA), young people support this bill, which would raise taxes on tobacco products. 100% agreed that this law should be approved as soon as possible. Enigma Profit Crypto platform complies with Canadian regulations, uses encrypted channels, layered authentication, and regular audits.

The Bill for the Social Responsibility of Tobacco Consumption proposes increasing tobacco taxes and unifying their collection to simplify the work of the Ministry of Finance. According to the National Anti-Tobacco Network (RENATA), young people support this bill, which would raise taxes on tobacco products. 100% agreed that this law should be approved as soon as possible. Enigma Profit Crypto platform complies with Canadian regulations, uses encrypted channels, layered authentication, and regular …

March 25, 2025 August 14, 2025 www Publish
Health Taxes: The Task Force on Fiscal Policy for Health Report 2024 A Compelling Policy for the Crises of Today

Report from Bloomberg Philanthropies that highlights enormous health and financial benefits of raising excise taxes on tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks, finding that increasing the price of these health-harming products can prevent millions of deaths and generate trillions in revenue for governments worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The report, released by the Task Force on Fiscal Policy for Health, underscores the urgent need for governments around the world to implement this under-utilized policy and improve public health.

Report from Bloomberg Philanthropies that highlights enormous health and financial benefits of raising excise taxes on tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks, finding that increasing the price of these health-harming products can prevent millions of deaths and generate trillions in revenue for governments worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The report, released by the Task Force on Fiscal Policy for Health, underscores the urgent need for governments around the world to implement this under-utilized policy and improve public health.

April 28, 2025 April 28, 2025 , pdf Publish
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The public wants government to raise tobacco taxes. Policy makers and government officials can benefit by implementing this popular policy.

  • The public wants leaders to prioritize their health and well-being, not tobacco industry profits.
  • Tax policies that reign in the tobacco industry are a popular and effective means to generate revenue.
  • Higher tobacco taxes shift company profits to government revenues, which can be allocated to further tobacco control efforts and other critical health and development needs.

Well-designed Tobacco Taxes Counter the Negative Impacts of Tobacco on Our Economy and Drive Significant Public Benefits

  • a. Tobacco addiction imposes huge costs for government, businesses and individuals.
    Tobacco use increases healthcare costs and results in lost worker productivity and
    wages due to tobacco-related disease, morbidity and mortality.
  • b. Cheap tobacco devastates family finances, particularly among low-income households.
    • Tobacco addiction drains money from low-wage workers and impacts
    household budgets for essential items like food, clothing and education.
    • Tobacco-related diseases increase personal healthcare costs and decrease
    earnings, exacerbating issues of poverty for low-income households. 
  •  c. Tobacco taxes are an effective and immediate revenue source and have minimal
    economic impact.
    • Tax increases directly benefit governments through increased
    revenues.
     Every nation and sub-national entity that has significantly increased its tobacco tax has enjoyed substantial increases in revenue, even while reducing smoking.
  • • There is considerable potential for tobacco taxation to generate much-needed
    financing for development and health programs, particularly in low- and
    middle-income countries.
    • The tobacco industry’s claims of taxes resulting in job losses are overstated.
    Tax increases have been shown to have a minimal effect on overall
    employment.
  • d. For tobacco taxes to be effective, they must result in an immediate and significant
    increase in prices for most products on the market.
    • Tobacco use rates decline the most when taxes result in a dramatic and
    immediate increase in product prices.
    • While nearly all countries tax tobacco products, an excise tax is the most
    important type of tobacco tax, since it applies uniquely to tobacco products
    and raises prices relative to those of other goods and services.
    • Simpler tobacco tax structures are more effective than complex (tiered) ones
    which are difficult to administer and can undermine the health and revenue
    impacts of tobacco excise taxes..

Tobacco companies strongly oppose tobacco taxes because they know taxes effectively reduce tobacco use and the companies’ profits.

The industry has a documented pattern of interfering with tax policies including pressuring public officials, subverting legislation, and presenting legal challenges to delay processes. 

b. The tobacco industry’s claims on illicit trade and tax revenue loss are not credible. Tobacco companies are involved in or complicit in illicit trade. 

c. The tobacco industry uses retailers, tobacco farmers, hospitality workers and others as puppets to fight tobacco tax increases when the reality is taxes have a neutral impact on overall employment. 

Tobacco Taxes are the Single Most Effective Way to Reduce Tobacco Use, Improve Public Health, and Save Lives.

  • The most direct and effective method for reducing tobacco consumption is to increase the price of tobacco products through tax increases. Higher tobacco prices encourage cessation among existing tobacco users, prevent initiation among potential users, and reduce the quantity of tobacco consumed among continuing users.
  • Higher tobacco taxes are effective at reducing smoking rates among vulnerable populations such as youth and low-income smokers.
    • Every 10% increase in prices shows an overall cigarette prevalence reduction by about 4% or 5%. 
    • Tobacco Taxes reduce youth smoking by about 6% and prevent young people from initiating smoking.
  • Keeping tobacco products cheap is a core industry strategy to increase the overall consumption of tobacco products, lure youth to addiction, and make it harder for smokers to quit.
    • Tobacco is cheap and getting cheaper, especially compared to staple products like food and clothing.
    • Tobacco prices are kept low in targeted countries to spur a new generation of addiction.
  • Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable deaths globally, accounting for about 8 million deaths each year.
    • Tobacco use is the world’s leading cause of preventable death, killing more than eight million people worldwide and causing more than $1.4 trillion in health care expenses and other economic harm each year.
    • Tobacco use is the only risk factor shared by all four main categories of NCDs,  cancer, heart disease, chronic lung disease and diabetes – and accounts for nearly one in six deaths from NCDs.
    • Tobacco consumption causes more deaths annually than the combined toll of HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria.