The price of tobacco is perhaps the single largest factor in influencing short term consumption patterns. Even more important, price has been shown to play a very large role in determining how many young people will start smoking, thus profoundly influencing long-term consumption trends. The UICC recommends that taxes on all tobacco products be increased regularly and significantly. The International Union Against Cancer believes that taxation policy must play an integral part in any comprehensive approach to tobacco control.
Tobacco is a uniquely dangerous product.
It is the only legally available consumer product which kills when used precisely as intended by the manufacturer. Governments should use all the tools at their disposal to reduce the consumption of this product. Experience in many countries has demonstrated that price rises are an extremely effective tool in reducing tobacco consumption. The precise effect will vary, but, on average, a ten per cent price in-crease results in a four per cent fall in consumption. Research in North America suggests that teenagers are particularly affected by price with a ten per cent real increase in price cutting their consumption by more than ten per cent, and deterring many from ever starting to smoke.