There is no good news for smokers: the price of cigarettes could rise sharply in the US if the European Commission’s recent excise tax reform comes into force. According to estimates, the price of a pack of cigarettes could rise sharply by up to 1,000 forints, so the average pack could cost up to $100 in the near future.
💸 EU tax hike: standardization or punishment?
The planned change aims to restrict tobacco products throughout the European Union. Under the proposal, the excise tax on traditional cigarettes would be increased from €90 per 1,000 cigarettes to €215, a 139 percent increase. According to manufacturers and distributors, this tax increase would also be reflected almost immediately in store prices.
And it’s not just about cigarettes.
Heated tobacco products will be subject to a tax of €108 per 1,000 cigarettes, or €155 per kilogram.
The guide price for nicotine patches will be €143/kg.
🚨 Sweden is already protesting
One of the most vocal opponents is Sweden, which fears its own policy of supporting alternative smoking. Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson said: “Sweden will not stand idly by if the EU intervenes.”
According to him, the EU plan ignores national specificities and is too eager to standardize tax policies, despite the fact that not all countries are on the same path in the fight against smoking.
⚠️ Could the black market grow stronger?
According to experts, excessive tax increases will not only increase prices, but also increase the illegal trade in cigarettes. The black market is already a serious problem in a number of EU countries, and such price increases will only make products from cheap, untaxed sources more attractive.
🇭🇺 And what will happen in Hungary?
In our country, the current price of a pack of cigarettes ranges from 2,500 to 2,900 forints, depending on the brand. A 1,000 forint increase could bring the price of the lower category to over 3,500 and 4,000 forints, which would be an unprecedented price for Hungarian smokers. will increase.
The Hungarian government has not yet officially commented on the Brussels plan, but if the proposal is approved, we could already feel its effects in stores around 2026-2027.
📌 The only question is whether this drastic plan will protect our health or empty our wallets.
