Smoking Costs the US Economy $891 Billion in 2020

Sep.30.2022
Smoking Costs the US Economy $891 Billion in 2020
Smoking not only poses health risks but also caused US economy a loss of $891 billion in 2020.

Smoking not only carries a high cost in terms of health risks, but also caused the United States economy to suffer losses of $891 billion in 2020.


According to the author of a new study from the American Cancer Society, it amounts to nearly 10 times the revenue of the cigarette industry, which is approximately 92 billion dollars.


Dr. Nigar Nargis, Senior Scientific Director of the American Tobacco Control Research Center, stated that the economic losses caused by smoking far exceed any economic benefits brought by the tobacco industry, including the combined salaries and wages of industry employees, taxes, and industry profits.


At a press conference held by the Cancer Society, Nargis stated that as a society, we can mitigate these economic losses by implementing coordinated and evidence-based tobacco control measures. These measures primarily encourage smoking cessation and prevent individuals from starting to smoke.


In this study, researchers conducted an economic model to measure the economic losses caused by smoking in each state.


A recent study revealed that each state in the US loses an average of $1,100 per person per year in income due to smoking. Kentucky has the highest per capita loss at $1,674, followed by West Virginia at $1,605 and Arkansas at $1,603. The states with the lowest losses were Utah at $331, Idaho at $680, and Arizona at $701.


The damage this industry has caused to individuals' lives and our nation's economy is appalling," said Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society's Cancer Action Network.


In a press release, she stated, "It is particularly concerning to see that states with the highest economic losses have the weakest tobacco control policies, but this is not surprising. We know what can reduce tobacco use and alleviate this burden, and now is the time for us to implement it.


Lakas stated that policies proven to decrease tobacco use include significantly increasing tobacco taxes, providing adequate funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs, and implementing comprehensive smoke-free laws.


The study's authors stated that the goal of the US Department of Health and Human Services is to reduce the smoking rate from 14% in 2018 to 5% in 2030, which would significantly decrease economic losses.


Narcissus said that the Healthy People 2030 goal provides an important target that helps reduce smoking and the corresponding negative impact of tobacco use on the economy.


The Lancet Public Health Journal has published research findings.


Statement:


This article is compiled from third-party information and is only intended for industry communication and learning.


This article does not represent the views of 2FIRSTS, and 2FIRSTS cannot confirm the authenticity or accuracy of the content. The translation of this article is only intended for industry professionals for the purpose of exchanging ideas and conducting research.


Due to limitations in translation ability, the translated article may not fully reflect the original text. Therefore, rely on the original text for accurate information.


Regarding any domestic, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan or foreign affairs-related statements and positions, 2FIRSTS maintains complete alignment with the Chinese government.


The copyright for the compiled information belongs to the original media and authors. If there is any infringement, please contact us for deletion.



Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

Smoore Wins Three Heated Device Supply Lots in China Tobacco Jiangsu’s Overseas Market Project Covering Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia
Smoore Wins Three Heated Device Supply Lots in China Tobacco Jiangsu’s Overseas Market Project Covering Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia
China Tobacco Jiangsu Industrial Co., Ltd. (JSIC) has completed its 2026-2028 heated device procurement project, with Shenzhen Smoore Technology Limited securing final supply contracts for three lots: U1, C1 and C2. The project was launched through a public tender in June 2026 to support overseas markets and involved heated tobacco devices carrying JSIC’s “iRod” trademark. Candidate supplier results published on July 13 showed Smoore ranked first for the three awarded lots, while Shenzhen Yunxi Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. and Shenzhen Bodi Technology Development Co., Ltd. participated in the bidding process.
Aug.03
Product | SKE Launches FRESA PRO in the U.S., Introducing Fresh Lock Technology for E-Liquid Management in High-Capacity Vapes
Product | SKE Launches FRESA PRO in the U.S., Introducing Fresh Lock Technology for E-Liquid Management in High-Capacity Vapes
Shenzhen SKE Technology has launched the FRESA PRO in the United States, a high-capacity rechargeable disposable vape featuring Fresh Lock electromagnetic valve supply control technology. The device combines a claimed capacity of up to 40,000 puffs, dual mesh coils, dual output modes and a transparent tank design. The launch reflects the high-capacity disposable vape segment’s shift from puff-count competition toward improved e-liquid management and device-level experience.
Aug.03
French Anti-Tobacco Group Questions PMI’s IQOS “Curiosity” Campaign Over Potential Youth Appeal
French Anti-Tobacco Group Questions PMI’s IQOS “Curiosity” Campaign Over Potential Youth Appeal
According to French anti-tobacco group Générations Sans Tabac, Philip Morris International’s (PMI) IQOS “Curiosity” campaign has drawn attention from public health advocates. The group argues that the campaign uses themes including curiosity, exploration and lifestyle branding that could increase interest among younger audiences. PMI has positioned IQOS as a key part of its smoke-free product strategy, while France maintains strict restrictions on tobacco and nicotine product marketing. The debate highlights ongoing tensions between heated tobacco branding strategies and public health concerns in Europe.
Jul.24
Australia-China Operation Dismantles Tobacco Smuggling Network: 112 Containers, 60 Arrests and A$92 Million in Illicit Tobacco
Australia-China Operation Dismantles Tobacco Smuggling Network: 112 Containers, 60 Arrests and A$92 Million in Illicit Tobacco
According to The Maritime Executive on August 19, 2026, the Australian Border Force (ABF) and China’s Anti-Smuggling Bureau of General Administration of China Customs worked together to dismantle an international illicit tobacco smuggling network targeting Australia. According to information released by ABF on August 20, sustained information sharing and cooperation led to investigations into 112 shipping containers, with 91 found to contain illicit tobacco. Authorities seized more than 60 million cigarettes and 60 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco, representing more than A$92 million in unpaid duties. More than 60 people suspected of involvement in the network were arrested in China.
Aug.20
Reuters Tracks Big Tobacco’s Shift Beyond Cigarettes as Nicotine Pouches Vie for the Next Growth Curve
Reuters Tracks Big Tobacco’s Shift Beyond Cigarettes as Nicotine Pouches Vie for the Next Growth Curve
As cigarette markets face long-term pressure, major tobacco companies are increasingly turning to nicotine pouches in search of growth beyond combustible tobacco. Reuters has examined whether nicotine pouches can become the next strategic growth platform for companies including Philip Morris International, British American Tobacco and Japan Tobacco. PMI strengthened its position through the acquisition of Swedish Match and its ZYN brand, while BAT and JTI continue expanding their own nicotine pouch portfolios. The category has gained attention because of its smoke-free, device-free format, but regulation, youth-use concerns and market scale will determine whether it can become a long-term growth engine.
Regulations
Aug.18 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Iowa Enforces Vape Registry Law as Retailers Warn Product Limits Could Increase Store Pressure
Iowa Enforces Vape Registry Law as Retailers Warn Product Limits Could Increase Store Pressure
Iowa has begun enforcing its vape registry law, requiring vape products to be registered before they can be legally sold in the state. The move follows a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit to lift an injunction that had blocked enforcement. Retailers have warned that tighter product availability rules could increase pressure on vape shops. One Iowa retailer said that if only a limited number of products remain available, many stores could face significant business challenges.
Aug.06