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.

Wales Passes Law Banning Tobacco Sales to Anyone Born After 2009
Wales Passes Law Banning Tobacco Sales to Anyone Born After 2009
The Welsh Parliament (Senedd) has approved new legislation banning tobacco sales to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009. The law, passed on December 9, 2025, also imposes stricter controls on how vapes and nicotine products are advertised and sold. Designed by the UK Government but voted on separately in Wales, the bill passed with 36 votes in favor, two abstentions, and nine against. It grants stronger enforcement powers to Trading Standards to combat illegal tobacco and vape sales.
Dec.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russia’s Vape Market Squeezed by Excise Hikes and Criminal Marking Rules
Russia’s Vape Market Squeezed by Excise Hikes and Criminal Marking Rules
According to Business FM, Russia’s vape and e-liquid supply has tightened since mid-Aug; by early Oct top liquids had largely disappeared and prices rose ~50% vs early summer. Shops cite a two-year excise hike to RUB 44/mL and, from Aug, criminal liability for unmarked goods (large-scale from RUB 100k), prompting withdrawals. Some chains report compliant substitutes. A bill would let regions ban vape sales.
Oct.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Mexico moves to advance reforms regulating e-cigarettes and vapes
Mexico moves to advance reforms regulating e-cigarettes and vapes
Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies Health Committee is expected to vote next week on reforms to the General Health Law that would regulate the prohibition, distribution, and sale of electronic cigarettes, vapes, and certain toxic substances, including fentanyl. Lawmakers from Morena insist the legislation must avoid loopholes and resist pressure from the tobacco industry.
Nov.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Bangkok Police Bust Illegal E-Cigarette Warehouse, Seize Vapes Worth Over $112,000
Bangkok Police Bust Illegal E-Cigarette Warehouse, Seize Vapes Worth Over $112,000
Thai police raided an illegal e-cigarette warehouse, arrested a man accused of selling vapes online, and seized a large quantity of improperly imported products worth more than 4 million baht (about $112,000).
Dec.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2FIRSTS Data Insight|China’s Vape Exports to the U.S. Hit a Record $590 Million: A Peak Driven by Enforcement Cycles, Not Real Demand
2FIRSTS Data Insight|China’s Vape Exports to the U.S. Hit a Record $590 Million: A Peak Driven by Enforcement Cycles, Not Real Demand
China’s vape exports to the U.S. surged to a record $590 million in October 2025—nearly double the usual monthly level and pushing the U.S. share above 50% of China’s global shipments.But the spike was not driven by demand. Instead, it reflected a temporary release created by tightened U.S. enforcement, a collapsed logistics pathway, and a bullwhip-style surge in replenishment.The peak signals more volatility ahead, not recovery.
Special Report
Nov.24
2Firsts Observation|Japan Tobacco Opens Ploom Counter at Dubai International Airport with Scent-Based Experience Display
2Firsts Observation|Japan Tobacco Opens Ploom Counter at Dubai International Airport with Scent-Based Experience Display
2Firsts observed that Japan Tobacco’s heated tobacco brand Ploom has set up an independent retail counter at Dubai International Airport’s duty-free zone, showcasing its new Ploom AURA device. The counter features an interactive scent-release system that allows consumers to experience flavors through aroma rather than inhalation, offering a new approach to product display in smoke-free environments.
Nov.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai