Tobacco Prices: Rates in France 2023
The bill for smokers is becoming increasingly salty. The price of tobacco in France has increased again on May 1, 2023. The price of a majority of cigarette packs now exceeds the symbolic bar of 11 euros, while all rolling tobacco bags cross the threshold of 15 euros. In detail, the increase in tobacco prices is between 10 and 80 cents for packs of 20 cigarettes. For rolling tobacco, price increases can range from 20 cents to 1.20 euros. On average, cigarette packs see their price climb by 40 cents, while the value of a pack of rolling tobacco increases by 30 cents. This price change comes after a previous increase occurred last March. The price adjustment on May 1st, is part of the new calculation method for tobacco prices defined at the end of 2022 by the government. Indeed, with the vote of the Social Security Financing Bill (PLFSS), the price of tobacco is now indexed to the level of inflation – which stood at 5.9% in April 2023. The new evolution of tobacco prices was enacted by the publication, last April 12, of a decree published in the Official Journal. All the tariffs practiced can be consulted on the customs website, which lists the different tobacco products sold in France.
What is the price of tobacco in France?
The evolution of tobacco prices directly results from the new tax applied to this type of products, since January 1, 2023, by the public authorities. In its Social Security Financing Law, the government chose to index the price of cigarettes on the inflation rate. In practical terms, every year, the State taxes tobacco products according to the evolution of consumer prices observed during the previous year. “It would be quite paradoxical if the rise in cigarettes was lower than inflation, as this would mean that the price would actually be falling,” justified Prime Minister, Elisabeth Borne. The head of the government also indicated that the executive’s goal is, ultimately, to see “the price of the pack of twenty units reach 11 euros in 2024”. In detail, the price of tobacco in France has increased by 70% over 10 years. A pack of cigarettes cost 5 euros in 2004. After Ireland, France is the country in the European Union where tobacco is most expensive.
What is the price of a pack of cigarettes in 2023?
In France, the average price of 20-unit cigarette packs was 10.15 euros in 2022. With the increase of March 1, 2023, the average price of a pack of cigarettes reached 10.65 euros. Since May 1, 2023, the average price of a pack of cigarettes is set at over 11 euros. Thus, the average price of a single cigarette now equates to 55 cents. Here, for indicative purposes, are some examples of the references that see their prices evolve, from 20 to 80 cents, as of May 1, 2023:
- Vogue L’Originale Blanche, in 20 units: 11 euros, against 10.50 euros
- Vogue Green light, in 20 units: 10.90 euros against 10.60 euros
- Vogue Green Crystal, in 20 units: 10.60 euros against 10.30 euros
- Vogue Green Ice, in 20 units: 10.90 euros against 10.60 euros
- Lucky Strike Blue, in 20 units: 11 euros, against 10.90 euros
- Lucky Strike Blue Classic, in 20 units: 11 euros, against 10.70 euros
- Lucky Strike Gold, in 20 units: 11 euros, against 10 .80 euros
- Lucky Strike red, in 20 units: 11 euros against 10.80 euros
- Lucky Strike Red by Pall Mall, in 20 units: 10.90 euros against 10.50 euros
- Lucky Strike Red Classic, in 20 units: 11 euros against 10.40 euros
- Winfield red, in 20 units: 11 euros against 10.60 euros
- Rothmans blue, in 20 units: 11 euros, against 10.50 euros
- Rothmans blue long, in 20 units: 11.10 euros, against 10.70 euros
- Rothmans blue 100’s, in 20 units: 11.10 euros, against 10.70 euros
- Rothmans red, in 20 units: 11 euros, against 10.60 euros
- Rothmans red select, in 20 units: 11.10 euros, against 10.70 euros
The most popular references in the French tobacco industry have not seen new increases on May 1st. This is because the packs of Marlboro, Philip Morris, Winston or Chesterfield have already suffered significant increases on March 1st. Therefore, manufacturers did not wish to raise their prices further.
Which pack of cigarettes is the cheapest?
The prices of brands are very close, but according to the current prices published by the French Customs, the cheapest cigarettes in France are:
- Austin Fresh, in 20 units: 10.10 euros
- Elixyr Fresh, in 20 units: 10.10 euros
- Che Essential Fresh, in 20 units: 10.10 euros
- Mademoiselle Fresh, in 20 units: 10.10 euros
What is the price of rolling tobacco?
Faced with the rise in the price of cigarettes, several seasoned smokers decide to resort to rolling tobacco. Available in packs or jars, it offers a greater quantity of tobacco so that the smoker can make their own cigarettes. However, this type of product does not escape the price increase. Here too, manufacturers raise prices by 50 cents, or even 1 euro. Some references now exceed the bar of 16 euros for 30 grams of tobacco. Here, for indicative purposes, are some brands that see their prices evolve from May 1st:
- 1637: 15.50 euros
- Camel: 15.60 euros
- Drum: 16.20 euros
- Fleur du Pays: 16.35 euros
- Interval: 16 euros
- Philip Morris: 15.80 euros
- Pueblo: 15.80 euros
- Rasta: 15.70 euros
What is the price of tobacco in Belgium?
In France, the average price of a pack of cigarettes is 11 euros. This price level places France in the top three European countries where the price of tobacco is the highest. For comparison, a pack of 20 cigarettes costs about 7.50 euros in Belgium.
What is the price of tobacco in Spain?
The price of cigarettes in Spain is even more attractive for smokers who wish to save money. A pack of 20 cigarettes costs on average just under 6 euros in Spain. The evolution of tobacco prices in the Iberian Peninsula can be accessed on the site of the commission for the tobacco market.
What is the price of tobacco in Italy?
The cost of a pack of 20 cigarettes in Italy averages 6 euros.
What is the price of tobacco in Germany?
Many French border residents sometimes cross the Rhine to go to Germany and buy cheaper tobacco there. While indeed the prices are more advantageous than in France, the taxes on tobacco are regularly increasing in Germany. From January 1, 2022 until 2026, tobacco prices increase by 10 cents each year. As of January 1, 2023, a pack of twenty cigarettes cost an average of 7.30 euros in Germany.
What is the price of tobacco in Luxembourg?
In Luxembourg, a pack of 20 cigarettes costs an average of 5.50 euros, which is about 45% lower than the prices practiced in France.
What is the price of tobacco in Andorra?
The parliament of the principality of Andorra voted in February 2019 for a law that establishes a minimum price for cigarettes. Their price can no longer be more than 35% lower than the applicable rate in France and Spain. The aim of this text is to fight against trafficking. Currently, the price of cigarettes in Andorra is half as high as in France. The average price of a pack of cigarettes is around 4 euros in Andorra. Furthermore, preferential rates are granted to customers who buy cigarettes in large quantities.
Conclusion
The escalating prices of tobacco in France have been a cause for concern for many smokers. As of May 1, 2023, the majority of cigarette packs exceeded the symbolic bar of 11 euros, while all rolling tobacco bags crossed the threshold of 15 euros. This increase, varying from 10 to 80 cents for packs of 20 cigarettes, and from 20 cents to 1.20 euros for rolling tobacco, resulted from the new tax applied to these products, which is indexed to the level of inflation. Despite the availability of cheaper alternatives, such as rolling tobacco and cheaper brands, the overall trend is a steep rise in prices. Compared to neighboring countries, tobacco prices in France are considerably higher, which could potentially encourage cross-border shopping for these goods.
FAQs
What is the price of tobacco in France in 2023?
The average price of 20-unit cigarette packs in France in 2023 is over 11 euros. The cost of rolling tobacco bags starts at 15.50 euros.
Which cigarette pack is the cheapest in France?
The cheapest cigarettes in France are Austin Fresh, Elixyr Fresh, Che Essential Fresh, and Mademoiselle Fresh, all priced at 10.10 euros for 20 units.
How much does rolling tobacco cost in France?
Rolling tobacco prices start from 15.50 euros for 30 grams and can go up to 16.35 euros, depending on the brand.
What is the price of a pack of cigarettes in Belgium, Spain, Italy, Germany, Luxembourg, and Andorra?
The average price of a pack of 20 cigarettes is about 7.50 euros in Belgium, under 6 euros in Spain and Italy, 7.30 euros in Germany, 5.50 euros in Luxembourg, and around 4 euros in Andorra.
Why are tobacco prices increasing in France?
The increase in tobacco prices is a result of the new tax applied by the French government since January 1, 2023, which indexes the price of cigarettes on the inflation rate. This means the price of tobacco products is taxed according to the evolution of consumer prices observed during the previous year.
Is the price of tobacco expected to continue rising in France?
Yes, the French government’s goal is to see the price of a 20-unit pack reach 11 euros in 2024.
