Moroccan smokers will pay more for their cigarettes

The price homologation commission has submitted its report. According to consistent sources cited by Le360, the final report has been transmitted to the Ministry of Economy and Finance for validation. The forthcoming decree provides for a targeted increase in the so-called "popular" segment, for the time being sparing premium cigarettes. The packs of Marquise, Casa and Fortuna, widely consumed by low-income households, are directly targeted, as is the Gauloises brand to a lesser extent.

This tariff revision is no surprise for the sector. It is part of the reform of tobacco taxation, initiated by the 2022 Finance Act. This roadmap provided for a gradual increase in the Domestic Consumption Tax (TIC) until 2026.

The stated objective of the State is twofold: to secure additional tax revenues for the Treasury and to reduce the persistent price gap between low-cost cigarettes and international brands. Mechanically, the specific taxation (TIC) and the minimum levy are increasing, forcing manufacturers to pass on these costs to the final consumer at the beginning of the year.