Written by Eric Henry
A new increase in the price of tobacco is scheduled for January 1, 2025. The ministerial decree published in the official journal on December 24 ratifies an increase which varies from 50 cents to one euro for a pack of 20 cigarettes. Despite the ongoing diversification, tobacconists are concerned about the effects of this increase on their business. The president of the federation of tobacconists of Aude testifies.
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The figure speaks for itself: in 2000, there were 250 tobacconists in the Aude department, today there are only 161.
Valérie Gauthier, the president of the Aude tobacconists' union, says she understands the health imperatives of the fight against smoking but considers the increase in the price of tobacco ineffective.
Today, 4 packs of cigarettes out of 10 consumed in France are purchased outside our borders.
Valérie Gauthier, president of the Aude tobacconists' union.
Even if the price of many packages will now cross the threshold of 13 euros, “Consumption remains very present today, we realized this during COVID where traders temporarily found consumers accustomed to obtaining tobacco from others channels,” she explains.
The new increase scheduled for January 1 will further accelerate the weakening of businesses still largely dependent on the sale of tobacco. Purchases of tobacco abroad, up to 4 cartridges per individual are currently authorized, are likely to accelerate further. But also counterfeiting. In recent years, sometimes mobile cigarette manufacturing units have been dismantled by the authorities.
La Jonquera, a border town between the Pyrénées-Orientales and Spain, is the meeting place for French smokers.
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© NICOLAS PARENT / MAXPPP
There are, however, numerous avenues for diversification encouraged by the government: parcel collection, nickel account, fine stamps, but they are not enough to compensate for the losses recorded by tobacconists.
The latest tobacco price increase led to a 15% drop in my business. I'm trying to develop the toy department and the bookstore but it's not possible for everyone.
Valérie Gauthier, president of the Aude tobacconists' union.
The president of the tobacconists of Aude welcomes the second government plan put in place to support traders. It provides for an envelope of up to 70,000 euros in aid for targeted diversification projects but the beneficiaries must themselves commit 30,000 euros. A sum too large for their financial capacities.
2025 promises to be another difficult year for tobacconists who are often the last traders in rural villages. Half of them are located in villages with less than 3,500 inhabitants.
