Morocco to Raise Cigarette Prices in 2024 as Part of Anti-Smoking Efforts

An increase of 1 to 2 dirhams on the price of cigarettes as of January 1, 2024 is planned, as part of a 2024 budget aimed at increasing revenue without new direct taxes. While a pack currently costs an average of 35 dirhams, this increase is part of a broader policy aimed at reducing consumption, but it also fuels the thriving black market.

The increase in tobacco prices is one of the fiscal measures put in place by the government to, as they say, discourage consumption. However, previous increases seem to have had little effect on reducing consumption, or even the opposite effect. Some argue that this policy accentuates the precariousness of smokers, while others call for a focus on prevention and the banning of tobacco advertising. Despite these differences, many agree that the smuggling of cigarettes will inexorably continue.

The tobacco tax remains an important source of revenue for the state, with a forecast of 12.5 billion dirhams in revenue for 2023, an increase of 5.82% compared to 2022.