Misconception: tobacco has never brought in so much money to the State

A few months away from the 10 euro packet of cigarettes, a little tune is starting to be distilled, particularly from the tobacco industry and tobacconists, for a price freeze until 2022 in order to "stabilize the market."

This request comes in a context of decreasing consumption and sales volumes (-7.5 %) in 2019[1] which was more than offset in value since the revenues of cigarette and tobacconists increased again (+2 %). Tobacconists also benefit from numerous public aids, "safety nets" in particular with future contracts and other provisions agreed with their supervisory ministry, customs.

Contrary to popular belief, the State does not get rich from tobacco consumption. Certainly the taxes collected on tobacco products will represent approximately 16 billion euros at the end of 2020, however the cost to the community as a whole, including public finances, is much higher. Today, the social cost has been estimated at 120 billion euros for the State[2]It is important to take into account health expenditure but also losses of income, taxes and productivity linked to anticipated mortality and morbidity associated with smoking.

Attempts to quit smoking have increased over the past two years, encouraged by better coverage of patches and other drug treatments. According to the Inter-Ministerial Committee for Health, in two years, 1.6 million daily smokers have managed to quit thanks to a comprehensive policy including a dynamic tax policy and coverage of smokers' treatments.[3].

This comprehensive policy must be actively pursued to achieve the goal of a tobacco-free generation by 2032. This therefore requires planning a new tax strategy for tobacco products beyond 2021.