Economics of Tobacco in Argentina Consumption and Prevalence?? In 1999, Argentina was the third largest cigarette consumption country in the Latin America & Caribbean region (LAC), accounted for 15% of regional consumption, only after Brazil (36%) and Mexico (17%). This was so despite that Argentina only accounts for 7% of LAC s population. Share of Argentina's Cigarette Consumption in LAC and LAC's Consumption in the World, 1999 Rest of World 95% REST of LAC 85% LAC as % of the World 5% Argentina as % of LAC 15% Source: USDA?? In Argentina, cigarette consumption has reduced dramatically since 1994. Total consumption was reduced by 2% from 39,3 million pieces to 38,7 million pieces, but per capita consumption reduced dramatically by 8% from 57.6 pack per capita in 1994 to 52.9 pack per capita in 1999. Total and per capita cigarette consumption in Argentina, 199-1999 packs of 2/capita 6 58 56 54 52 5 48 46 199 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 Consumption/capita million pieces 4 38 36 34 32 3 28 million pieces Source: USDA, World Bank, Marketfile
Cigarette Prices?? One of the reasons for reduction in per capita cigarette consumption is the increasing real price of cigarettes. As seen in the graph below, real price for cigarettes has been increasing. During 1994-1999, average real price of a pack of cigarettes have increased 16% from 1.38 pesos in 1994 to 1.6 pesos in 1999. Real Price/pack LOC 2.6 2.4 2.2 2. 1.8 1.6 1.4 1.2 Trends Between Average Real Cigarette Price and Consumption in Argentina, 199-1999 CPI, 1995=1 Real Price 199 1991 1992 Source: Marketfile and World Bank calculation Consumption 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999?? Although per capita consumption decreased since 1994, smoking prevalence is still quite high for both males and females in Argentina. In 1999, 47% adult males and 34% adult females were smokers. 6 59 58 57 56 55 54 53 52 51 5 pack of 2/capita
Smoking Prevalence in Argentina 5% 45% 4% 35% 3% 25% 2% 15% 1% 5% % 47% 34% Male Female 7% 2% Adult (16-64 Year Olds), 1999 Youth (12 Year Olds), 1997 Source: Corrao MA, Guindon GE, Sharma N, Shokoohi DF (eds). Tobacco Control Country Profiles, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, 2. Original Source: Adult data: Current smoking among the urban population; Rojas, M. rojasmar@paho.org (2, June 19). Re: Smoking prevalence in Latin America. [data transfer via email]. Youth data: Smoking in Buenos Aires measured by the Tobacco or Health Commission, Secretriat of Health; information from Diego Leon Perazzo of the Argentine Anti-tobacco Union. Tobacco Tax?? In 1999, cigarette tax accounted for 7% of retail price in Argentina. The average price for local cigarettes was 1.35 US dollars in 1999. In 2, Argentina government increased taxes and tax was accounted for 73% of retail price but due to pressure from tobacco growers, government agreed to reduced the special tax rate from 21% to 7%, on the condition that TI would generate more federal taxes in 21 US$1.8billion. If not, then TI would have to pay the difference in tax to the Argentina government.
Overall Cigarette Tax as % of Retail Prices for Selected LAC Countries, 1999 2.5 2 1.5 65% 56% 83% 6% 75% 1.5 Colombia Guyana Costa Rica Mexico Brazil Trinidad & Tobago 57% 43% 83% 7% 7% 6% Venezuela Argentina Chile Uruguay Jamaica Source: The World Bank Estimates?? In 1999, federal government collected US$1.4 billion for federal taxes and total cigarette tax (excise, VAT, sales tax, special tobacco fund tax, emergency tax), collected was 2 billion US dollars, accounting for 5.3% of government tax revenue in Argentina. Argentina s cigarette tax revenue ranked number two in LAC region, only after Brazil. Tobacco Taxes and Percentage Shares in Total Government Tax Revenue, 1999 4 35 3 25 2 15 1 5 Million US Dollars 6.% 2.7% 2.% 4.4% 4.% 2.5% 4.1% 6.% 2.8% 5.3% 2.3% Guyana Trinidad & Tobago Costa Rica Jamaica Uruguay Venezuela Colombia Chile Mexico Argentina Brazil
Source: The World Bank Estimates Health Issue?? In 1993, the age-standardized mortality rate were 99 per 1, males aged over 35 from cancers of the trachea, lung and bronchus in Argentina. By comparison, 16 females 1, over 35 died of these diseases. For all smoking related diseases, mortality rates for women are substantially lower than men, reflecting relatively low smoking prevalence among women. A large part of the gender differences in these mortality rates is attributable to tobacco use. World age-standardized mortality rate per 1, population Mortality from Smoking Related Diseases for People age 35 years and over in Argentina, 1993 25 2 15 1 5 Trachea, lung, and bronchus cancer Male Female Lip, oral cavity, and pharynx cancer Respiratory disease Ischemic Heart disease Source: World Health Organization. (1998). World Health Statistics Annual, 1996. Geneva, Switzerland. Tobacco Control Measures?? In 1986, health warnings on cigarette packs became mandatory. Tobacco advertising is prohibited in publications intended for youth and in theatres to which youth are admitted. Advertising directed at youth is prohibited, and banned from television and radio between 8: and 22:. Distribution of cigarette samples at colleges is prohibited, and single stick sales are banned.?? Smoking is restricted in health care facilities. In Buenos Aires, smoking is restricted in factories, schools, sports arenas, theatres, and food-processing centers. Smoking is also prohibited on public transport including buses, taxis, and subways.
?? Most tobacco control activities have been developed by non-governmental organizations, especially the Argentine Union Against Smoking, the Public Health Foundation, and the Liga Argentina de Lucha Contra el Cancer (LALCEC). Television and radio spots were produced by the Public Health Foundation, and activities have targeted youth through mass media and schools. LALCEC offers smoking cessation classes. Production and Trade?? In 1999, Argentina produced 42,5 million cigarettes. Production increased by 41% during 197-1999. Currently, the are only two major cigarette companies in Argentina. Massalin Particulares, a subsidiary of Philip Morris, accounts for roughly 6 percent of the market. Nobleza Piccardo, a subsidiary of British and American Tobacco, accounts for about 4% market share. Cigarette Production in Argentina, 197-1999 45, 4, 35, Million Pieces 3, 25, 2, 15, 1, 5, 197 1975 198 1985 199 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 Source: USDA?? Argentina is the second biggest tobacco leaf growing country in the LAC region. In 2, Argentina produced 112,5 metric tons of tobacco leaves, accounting for 12% of LAC total, only next to Brazil (65%).
Metric Tons 14 12 1 8 6 4 2 Tobacco Leaf Production in Argentina, 199-2 199 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2 Source: FAO?? Argentina is a net tobacco exporter. In 1998, net surplus from tobacco trade was 124 million US dollars, only after Brazil (US$1481 million), Cuba (US$167 million), and Venezuela (US$141 million). 2 Overall Tobacco Surplus (Deficits) for Selected LAC Countries, 1998 Million US Dollars 15 1 5-5 Paraguay Argentina Venezuela Cuba Brazil