The World Health Organization (WHO) has endorsed the Ministry of Finance’s plan to increase tobacco taxes in Việt Nam by 2030, projecting that the move will prevent an additional 2.5 million new smokers. WHO supports two proposed options, with Option 2, which implements a higher initial tax, being the most effective in quickly reducing smoking rates. The WHO recommends an even stricter tax hike to further lower smoking rates and prevent related diseases.

Tobacco use remains a significant health risk in Việt Nam, with an estimated 70,000 to 80,000 tobacco-related deaths annually. The WHO emphasizes that increasing tobacco taxes not only helps save lives but also generates additional tax revenue for the government. The organization stresses that smuggling concerns, often raised by tobacco companies, are not a significant threat in Việt Nam, given the country’s high import taxes.

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