The French government has announced another increase in cigarette prices, effective February 1, 2025, as part of its continued efforts to deter smoking and protect public health. This follows the first price hike on January 1, 2025, which saw many brands increase their prices by up to one euro per pack.
Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable deaths in France, contributing to approximately 75,000 fatalities each year. Recent statistics indicate alarming rates of tobacco use, with around 31.8% of individuals aged 18 to 75 reporting they currently smoke. Efforts to reduce these numbers have seen some success, thanks largely to the national anti-tobacco program launched in 2018, which has shown measurable decreases among younger demographic groups.
According to the recent adjustments published by the French Directorate General of Customs and Indirect Rights, specific brands will see notable price increases. For example, the price for 20 Dunhill Rouge cigarettes will jump from €13.20 to €13.50—a €0.30 hike. Similarly, packs of Gauloises Blondes Bleu will rise to €12.50 from €12.30, and common rolling tobacco products will also see price adjustments.
Previously, on January 1, cigarette prices were raised significantly, affecting well-known brands such as Lucky Strike and Camel, which have now crossed the €13 threshold, driven mainly by steep taxes comprising over 80% of the retail price. Former Budget Minister Laurent Saint-Martin expressed concerns about price disparities with neighboring countries, which can weaken local shops, particularly those near borders.
The taxation policy influencing these price hikes not only responds to inflation but also aims to align with the government’s broader strategy of reducing smoking rates by targeting financial barriers. This includes raising the price of cigarettes as part of the objective to see prices rise to €13 per pack by 2027.
According to Cyril Lalo from the tobacco-producing group Seita, the prices of tobacco products are set freely by manufacturers, but they heavily reflect the imposed taxes, which are adjusted based on inflation rates from the previous year. This new system of calculating taxes was put in place following legislative changes aimed at curbing tobacco consumption.
Concerned citizens and public health advocates widely support these price increases, viewing them as necessary steps to address the smoking epidemic. Discussions about the long-term effects of continuous price hikes have fueled debates among smokers, many of whom see the government’s actions as important for public health, even if it means reassessing personal habits or financial budgets.
Despite the government’s intent to make smoking economically unappealing, the tobacco industry remains resilient. Tobacco manufacturers have not altered their profit margins significantly, maintaining earnings even amid rising prices. Per reports, for example, their margins can be as high as €0.65 on packs sold for €11, indicating the economic dynamics at play.
Reflecting back on these developments, smoking prevalence among young people has seen notable improvements. From 2017 to 2022, daily smoking among young adults dropped from 26.9% to 24.5%, and the rate among 17-year-olds saw even more dramatic declines. Yet, challenges remain, especially with the persistent black market for cheaper tobacco products, driven by high taxes and pricing discrepancies along borders.
Looking forward, strategies and actions surrounding smoking reduction, coupled with public health campaigns, appear poised to tackle the tobacco epidemic head-on, following through with the government's promise to escalate pricing measures over the coming years.
With increased taxes and formal price adjustments, the interplay between public health goals and consumer sentiment will continue to evolve. The success of these initiatives hinges on both cohesive policy-making and the community's responsiveness to smoking cessation efforts as they combat the allure of cigarettes and encourage healthier lifestyles.