The economics of $60-plus cigarettes

The economics of $60-plus cigarettes

From Reuters Econ World by Reuters

April 15, 2026 · 34 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the impact of Australia's high cigarette taxes on smoking rates and the illicit tobacco market.

Australia's sky‑high cigarette taxes have slashed smoking rates - but they have also helped fuel a booming black market for illicit tobacco. Host Carmel Crimmins speaks with Assistant Customs Minister Julian Hill and economist Lachlan Vass on whether Australia’s tobacco excise has overshot its mark - economically and politically. Sign up for the ⁠⁠⁠Reuters Econ World ⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Catch Reuters Morning Bid ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ Produced by Eliza Davis Beard Sound engineering and music by Josh Sommer Visit the ⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. Further listening Trade and Australia Tax Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Carmel Crimmins

Guests: Julian Hill, Lachlan Vass

Topics covered

  • cigarette taxes
  • black market
  • tobacco excise
  • smoking rates
  • economics
  • politics

Keywords

  • cigarette taxes
  • black market
  • Australia
  • tobacco excise
  • smoking rates
  • economics
  • politics

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Reuters

Places: Australia

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