Smoking Rates in Hong Kong Reach Single Digits

A survey conducted by the Hong Kong census and statistics department has revealed that the smoking rate in Hong Kong has dropped to 9.5% in 2021, marking the first time that it has reached a two-digit figure. In 2019, the smoking rate in Hong Kong's population was 10.2%.

According to the survey results, there are approximately 581,500 regular smokers per day in Hong Kong in 2021, accounting for 9.5% of the population aged 15 and above.

According to the investigation, the average daily consumption of regular cigarettes by ordinary smokers is around 13, which remains unchanged from 2019.

Despite an overall decrease in total tobacco usage, the number of people using electronic cigarettes saw a sharp increase from 7,200 in 2019 to 17,500 last year.

On April 30th, Hong Kong banned the import, manufacture, sale, and distribution of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products. This may result in a decrease in the number of people using alternative smoking products such as e-cigarettes.

Secretary for Food and Health, Sophia Chan Siu-chee, has announced that Hong Kong aims to reduce its smoking rate to 7.8% by 2025. In order to achieve this goal, the government is considering expanding the designated no-smoking areas, decreasing the overall appeal of tobacco products and preventing young people from adopting smoking habits.