Australians are spending less to consume more nicotine as illegal tobacco trade explodes
Australians are increasingly consuming nicotine while spending less, driven by a surge in illegal tobacco use. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicates that illicit sources accounted for 80% of tobacco consumed in 2025, up from 12% in 2017. The rise in illegal tobacco has led to a significant drop in household spending on cigarettes, despite rising prices for legal products.
- ▪Nicotine consumption in Australia rose by 40% from 2017 to 2025.
- ▪80% of all tobacco consumed in Australia in 2025 was from illegal sources.
- ▪Household spending on cigarettes has dropped to levels similar to 2016, despite a tripling of legal cigarette prices.
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In 2017, only 12% of the total tobacco consumed was from illicit sources. By 2025, that had risen to 80%. Photograph: Jenny Kane/APView image in fullscreenIn 2017, only 12% of the total tobacco consumed was from illicit sources. By 2025, that had risen to 80%. Photograph: Jenny Kane/APHealthAustralians are spending less to consume more nicotine as illegal tobacco trade explodesAustralian Bureau of Statistics estimates nicotine consumption rose 40%, with illicit sources accounting for 80% of all tobacco Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Jordyn BeazleyWed 3 Jun 2026 02.11 EDTLast modified on Wed 3 Jun 2026 02.13 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleAustralians are consuming more nicotine than they were eight…
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