Purchasing Cigarettes in the US
Introduction
Purchasing Cigarettes In The US, This post examines trends in cigarette prices, purchasing patterns, and the characteristics associated with the quantity and location of cigarette purchases by adult smokers in the USA.
Key Objectives of Tobacco Control Policies
Tobacco control policies aim to:
- Reduce cigarette consumption among current smokers.
- Discourage tobacco use among non-smokers, particularly youths.
One of the most effective methods to achieve these goals is increasing cigarette prices. Higher prices typically lead to reduced consumption. However, various factors can influence this relationship.
Factors Affecting Cigarette Consumption
Smokers may offset higher prices through:
- Bulk Purchases: Buying cartons or multipacks instead of single packs.
- Brand Switching: Opting for lower-priced brands or those offering discounts.
- Shopping Locations: Purchasing from low-tax locations such as online stores, duty-free shops, or Indian reservations.
- Reduced Consumption: Cutting back on daily intake or quitting entirely.
Economic challenges like unemployment, stagnant wages, and rising household expenses have made cigarettes less affordable over recent years.
Trends in Cigarette Purchasing Patterns (2020–2022)
- Carton Purchases: The purchase of cigarette cartons has increased significantly compared to single packs.
- Savings: Smokers save an average of $5.53 on multipacks and $10.63 on cartons.
- Shift in Purchase Locations: Grocery and discount store purchases have declined, while online tobacco store purchases have surged.
- Demographics: Female, older, white smokers are more likely to buy cartons or multipacks from low-tax sources.
Conclusion
Rising cigarette prices have driven smokers to purchase cartons rather than single or multipacks. This shift has led to a decline in grocery and discount store sales while increasing online tobacco store purchases. Today, most smokers in the US prefer buying cigarettes online.