Tobacco Taxes Promote Equity: Evidence from Around the Globe

The tobacco industry is intent on keeping its products affordable to people with low incomes, who already face health and economic inequities. Research from around the world reveals that tobacco use makes these inequities worse: Data show that spending money on tobacco—and treating tobacco-related diseases—deepens existing income inequities and worsens financial strain.

Increasing taxes on tobacco products is proven to be an effective way to lower tobacco use, especially among price-conscious consumers with lower incomes, including youth. Learn more about how tobacco taxes promote equity.