Rising Tobacco and Alcohol Prices in Belarus

Feb.27.2023

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.

#Belarus #USA

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.

Sarawak Cabinet Approves Gradual Ban on Vape Products to Curb Rising Youth Use

The Sarawak Cabinet has agreed to implement a phased ban on vape products amid growing concern over rising use among youths. Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the move demonstrates the state’s firm commitment to safeguarding young people’s health and future.

Nov.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai

U.S. FDA Includes Cytisinicline for Vaping Addiction in National Priority Voucher Program, Shortens Review to 1–2 Months

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has added Cytisinicline, a plant-based therapy developed by Achieve Life Sciences for nicotine vaping addiction, to its new National Priority Voucher (CNPV) program. The initiative shortens drug review timelines from 10–12 months to just 1–2 months, expediting approval for treatments that address major public health needs.

Oct.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai

France plans to impose new taxes on e-liquids, with the vape industry association warning of unemployment risk

French government proposes tax on e-liquid, sparking concerns over job losses and increased smuggling and underage sales risks.

Oct.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai

South Korea Implements Law Requiring Full Disclosure of Tobacco Harmful Substances

South Korea has enacted the Tobacco Harm Management Act, effective November 1, 2025, requiring tobacco manufacturers and importers to test and report harmful substances in their products every two years. Results for all tobacco types—including combustible cigarettes, heated tobacco, and e-cigarettes—will be publicly available from mid-2026.

Nov.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai