As cigarette prices soar in the Netherlands, Dutch smokers are increasingly traveling to Luxembourg to purchase cheaper tobacco, a phenomenon known as tobacco tourism. Organized bus trips, which run once or twice a month, carry up to 90 passengers each, departing at 07:00 and arriving around 13:00 at the Massen shopping center near Weiswampach. Smokers can save between €400 to €500 per trip, taking advantage of Luxembourg's lower cigarette prices, which have become a significant draw amid rising tobacco taxes in the Netherlands. Each traveler is allowed to bring back four cartons of cigarettes, adhering to customs regulations. This trend has been fueled by tax increases in the Netherlands, which have inadvertently bolstered the black market for tobacco, as stable smoking rates remain at 13%. Similar excursions have also been noted from Toulouse to Andorra, indicating a broader pattern of cross-border tobacco shopping. [3b9f0c08]
In contrast, while France is increasing cigarette prices to deter smoking, China is experiencing a rise in cigarette sales, which starkly contrasts with the global trend of declining consumption. According to a recent report, worldwide cigarette sales decreased by 10% from 2007 to 2021, yet China accounts for about half of all cigarette sales globally. Despite a small dip in sales between 2014 and 2016 due to indoor smoking bans in major cities, the demand for 'slim cigarettes' has surged, as they are perceived as stylish and less harmful. Interestingly, adult smoking rates in China have slightly fallen, but this has not hindered the growth in sales. This situation highlights the complexities of smoking trends worldwide, where regulatory measures in one region can lead to increased consumption in another. [3cf52d58]
In France, the government has implemented an increase in cigarette prices as of January 1, 2024, with the average price of a pack reaching €12. The cheapest brands are now priced at €10.90, while premium brands can cost up to €12.50. The French government plans to continue increasing prices in 2025 and 2026, with expectations that the average price will reach €13. These price adjustments are influenced by taxes imposed by the government on the tobacco industry. [103355a7]