Different brands of cigarettes are sold in a store in Beijing. (Photo/Chinanews.com)
(ECNS) - Chinese smokers are showing mixed reactions to the country's decision to more than double the wholesale tax rate for cigarettes to 11 percent.
The retail price of cigarettes has increased in Beijing following the tax hike, amid other efforts to discourage smoking.
The policy may deter some price-sensitive smokers, especially the aged and young, an investigation shows. But for those around 30 years old, it may make little difference.
A man surnamed Yu, of the post-80s generation, has been smoking for nine years. He says the price change will not affect his habit.
"If the price increases too much, I may choose a cheaper brand," he said. Yu also said he will consider quitting smoking after getting married.
Another smoker named Tang, also of the post-80s generation, thinks the best way to deter people from smoking is through public education, rather than a price hike.
He said he will not give up the habit just because of price.
Yang Kebing, a researcher at the National Institute on Drug Dependence at Peking University, said price ranks relatively low on the top 10 motivations to quit smoking.
For most smokers, they are more likely to ditch the habit due to health concerns or to curb negative influences on their children, according to Yang.
China is the largest producer and consumer of cigarettes, with more than 300 million smokers. About 740 million Chinese are exposed to second-hand smoke, and smoke-related diseases kill more than 1.36 million people in the country each year.
