ABS estimates 80pc of tobacco consumed in Australia last year illegal
The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates that 80% of tobacco consumed in Australia last year was illegal, highlighting a significant rise in the black market. This increase in illicit tobacco consumption coincides with a dramatic decline in spending on legal products, attributed to high excise taxes. Experts are calling for a reevaluation of tobacco laws to address this growing issue.
- ▪An estimated 80% of cigarettes and vapes consumed in Australia last year were illegal, according to the ABS.
- ▪Nicotine consumption increased by almost 40% between 2017 and 2025, while spending on legal tobacco products fell dramatically.
- ▪The ABS analysis indicates that the share of illicit tobacco consumption rose from 12% in 2017 to 80% in 2025.
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ABS estimates 80pc of tobacco consumed in Australia last year illegal amid 'rapid growth' in black marketBy national affairs correspondent Jane NormanTopic:SmokingWed 3 Jun 2026 at 5:21pmWed 3 Jun 2026 at 5:21pmWed 3 Jun 2026 at 5:21pmThe illegal tobacco market has flourished. (ABC News: Grace Burmas)In short: An estimated 80 per cent of the cigarettes and vapes consumed in Australia last year were illegal, according to the ABS.Treasury downgraded tobacco excise revenue by $8 billion over the next five years in the latest federal budget.What's next?Criminologists say the findings highlight a "massive policy failure and require a radical rethink" of tobacco laws.abc.net.au/news/abs-estimates-80pc-of-tobacco-used-in-australia-illegal/106756000Link copiedShareShare articleAn estimated 80 per…
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