Rising Tobacco and Alcohol Prices in Belarus

Feb.27.2023
Rising Tobacco and Alcohol Prices in Belarus
Belarus raises tobacco and alcohol taxes, leading to price increases and plans to align with Russian rates by 2028.

On February 26th, according to reports from Belarusian media, the average price of tobacco products in January increased by 14.2% compared to December 2022 due to an increase in consumption tax on January 1st of this year. The price of vodka also rose by 4.7%.


According to the agreement on indirect taxes between Belarus and Russia, Belarus will increase its excise tax rates on cigarettes and alcohol for the next three years.


As per the plan, the tax rate for the second category of cigarettes will be aligned with Russia's consumption tax rate in October this year.


By the end of this year, the tax rate for the first category of cigarettes will be approximately 35% lower than that of Russia, and by the end of 2024, it will decrease by about 25%. According to the regulations outlined in this document, the tax rate will balance with Russia by 2028.


Starting from March 1st, Tabak-Invest company will increase the prices of many cigarette brands. For example, Camel Blue and Camel Yellow will rise by 30 kopecks to reach 4.65 Russian rubles (approximately 12.8 Chinese yuan), Winston Classic and Winston Blue will also increase by 30 kopecks to reach 5.5 Russian rubles (approximately 15.5 Chinese yuan), and Winston XS Purple Mix will increase by 25 kopecks to reach 5.25 Russian rubles (approximately 14.5 Chinese yuan).


Reference(s):


At the beginning of this year, prices for cigarettes and vodka skyrocketed. Walmart explained how this is related to the closer ties with Russia.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

Philip Morris International: Over $20 Billion Invested in the U.S. Since 2022; IQOS ILUMA to Launch Pending FDA Authorization
Philip Morris International: Over $20 Billion Invested in the U.S. Since 2022; IQOS ILUMA to Launch Pending FDA Authorization
Philip Morris International (PMI) said its U.S.-related investments have topped $20 billion since 2022, when it entered the U.S. market through its roughly $19 billion acquisition of Swedish Match. The company also said it plans to launch its heated tobacco product IQOS ILUMA in the United States pending authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Jan.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Singapore Health Minister Ong Ye Kung receives SEATCA award for tobacco control and anti-vaping push
Singapore Health Minister Ong Ye Kung receives SEATCA award for tobacco control and anti-vaping push
SEATCA has honoured Singapore Health Minister Ong Ye Kung with its inaugural Trailblazer Award, citing Singapore’s long-standing vaping ban, stepped-up enforcement and regulatory measures, and the city-state’s role in sharing tobacco-control policy experience across ASEAN.
Feb.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Canadians visiting Mexico warned of stricter penalties for bringing e-cigarettes or vaping devices
Canadians visiting Mexico warned of stricter penalties for bringing e-cigarettes or vaping devices
Canadians traveling to Mexico should avoid packing e-cigarettes or vaping devices, citing Canada’s travel advisory warning that tourists have been banned from bringing such items into Mexico since 2025. The advisory says customs officials could confiscate the items upon arrival and travelers could be fined or detained.
Feb.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Rosstandart: packaging and design requirements for vapes to be tightened in early 2026
Rosstandart: packaging and design requirements for vapes to be tightened in early 2026
Rosstandart head Anton Shalaev told TASS that Russia will tighten requirements for the packaging and design of vapes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems in early 2026.
Jan.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
China to Cancel VAT Export Rebates on E-Cigarette Products from April 1, 2026
China to Cancel VAT Export Rebates on E-Cigarette Products from April 1, 2026
China’s Ministry of Finance and State Taxation Administration have announced adjustments to export tax rebate policies, placing nicotine-containing non-combustible inhalation products within the scope of items subject to rebate cancellation. The measures will take effect from April 1, 2026.
Regulations
Jan.10
Councils Remove 1.2 Million Illicit Vapes from UK High Streets
Councils Remove 1.2 Million Illicit Vapes from UK High Streets
UK council data shows that two illegal vapes were seized every minute in 2025, with a total of 1.2 million illicit vapes removed from high streets. Over the past year, authorities also seized millions of illegal cigarettes and other nicotine products. Consumer surveys indicate that more than half of UK vapers believe they have unknowingly purchased illegal vaping products.
Dec.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai