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.

Reynolds American launches U.S. investment plan: to invest $3.2 billion to expand capacity and advance a shift toward smokeless products
Reynolds American launches U.S. investment plan: to invest $3.2 billion to expand capacity and advance a shift toward smokeless products
Reynolds American says it will invest more than $3.2 billion across its U.S. operations by 2030. The investment began in 2024 and is expected to support more than 2,000 direct and indirect jobs. The company says the plan covers modernization and expansion of manufacturing facilities, scaling innovation and production, supply-chain initiatives and employee training, and also references its R&D spending and related site footprint.
Mar.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
FDA Wins Default Entry in Case Against E-Cigarette Distributor, to Seek Permanent Injunction
FDA Wins Default Entry in Case Against E-Cigarette Distributor, to Seek Permanent Injunction
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has made procedural progress in its lawsuit against North Carolina-based e-cigarette distributor Dream Distro LLC and its owner. A federal district judge granted the government’s request for entry of default after the defendants failed to respond to the complaint within 21 days of service. The government will next seek a default judgment, including a permanent injunction.
Apr.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Alan Zhao: What the Rise of Nicotine Pouches Means for Tobacco Retailers
Alan Zhao: What the Rise of Nicotine Pouches Means for Tobacco Retailers
Alan Zhao argues that nicotine pouches are no longer a niche alternative, but a force quietly reshaping the future of tobacco retail. For distributors and retailers, the real risk is not missing a trend—it is moving too late, after regulation tightens, shelf space hardens and the market begins to choose its winners.
Mar.31 by Alan Zhao | 2Firsts Perspectives
New York Proposal to Tax Nicotine Pouches at 75% Draws Opposition
New York Proposal to Tax Nicotine Pouches at 75% Draws Opposition
A proposal by New York Governor Kathy Hochul to impose a steep tax on nicotine pouches has drawn opposition from law-enforcement officials and business groups, who say it could expand the state’s illicit tobacco market. The measure was included in Hochul’s preliminary two-year USD 260 billion budget plan and would treat nicotine pouches like other tobacco products.
Mar.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Arizona’s Operation Counter Strike Conducts 1,882 Tobacco Retailer Inspections in Fiscal 2025, Issues 451 Criminal Citations
Arizona’s Operation Counter Strike Conducts 1,882 Tobacco Retailer Inspections in Fiscal 2025, Issues 451 Criminal Citations
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced the results of the Attorney General’s Office “Operation Counter Strike” program on March 9, 2026.
Mar.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI Sells Stake in Swedish Match Brazil Business, Including Fiat Lux Brand
PMI Sells Stake in Swedish Match Brazil Business, Including Fiat Lux Brand
Philip Morris International said it is selling its stake in Swedish Match do Brasil, which controls the Brazilian household goods brand Fiat Lux. The buyer is Ignis FIP, a Brazilian private investment vehicle backed by businessman Marcos Fernando Garms. The transaction also includes Swedish Match da Amazônia, but the value of the deal was not disclosed. PMI said the sale is aligned with its vision of a smoke-free future.
Mar.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai