Cigarette Prices Drop in French Overseas Territories
Contrary to the long-standing trend of rising tobacco prices in France, several media outlets reported in mid-February that a dozen cigarette brands would see a price decrease of 20 to 25 cents on March 1st. However, this information has been met with skepticism and clarification from industry officials.
No Price Drop for Cigarettes in Mainland France
Benoît Bas, spokesperson for Japan Tobacco International (JTI), which manufactures brands such as Winston and Camel, clarified that there would be no price reduction on cigarettes sold in mainland France. The four references that were listed as experiencing a decrease are not available in mainland France but are instead "approved for sale in Réunion."
The French Customs confirmed this statement, explaining that the reported price drops apply to recently approved products sold in overseas territories. These products are listed in the price table under the "sale price in mainland France" column, but this is only for reference purposes.
Tax Variations Explain Price Fluctuations
The occasional price decreases in overseas territories are possible because tax rates on tobacco products are set by local authorities and are more flexible than in mainland France. Bas emphasized that the government’s strategy is to increase taxes on cigarettes, not decrease them.
Tobacco Consumption and Health Concerns
Regular tax increases are part of France’s ongoing efforts to reduce tobacco consumption. In 2023, approximately a quarter of French adults reported smoking daily, according to Santé publique France. While anti-tobacco campaigns had led to a significant decline in smoking rates in the late 2010s, this trend was reversed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tobacco use remains a major public health concern in France and worldwide, causing an estimated 75,000 deaths annually in France and contributing to various health conditions, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
Plans to Increase Tobacco Prices
Despite the temporary price fluctuations in overseas territories, the French government maintains its commitment to reducing smoking rates. In late 2023, it announced a new plan to raise the price of a pack of cigarettes to 13 euros by 2027. This plan encountered some resistance and was eventually censored in late 2024, but the government has since postponed any price increases until 2025.
