Tobacco Asia

14 tobaccoasia FRONT PAGE NEWS 卷首新闻 Tobacco Use Declines Globally, Southeast Outpaces Europe The latest WHO Global Report on Trends in Tobacco Use 2000–2024, with projections through 2030, shows that tobacco use is declining worldwide, though progress varies by region. Southeast Asia leads global reductions, while Europe maintains the highest prevalence and is expected to remain so for years. Worldwide, tobacco users fell from 1.38 billion in 2000 to 1.20 billion in 2024, driven largely by strong tobacco-control measures. In Southeast Asia, over 322 million adults and 8.6 million adolescents still use tobacco. Dr. Catharina Boehme, officer-in-charge for WHO Southeast Asia, credited political commitment, comprehensive policies, and community engagement for achieving a 30% reduction by 2021—4 years ahead of the global schedule. The region, once the global hotspot for tobacco, has seen prevalence among men drop from 70.1% in 2000 to 37.4% in 2024, and among women from 38% to 9.3%. Despite these gains, Southeast Asia still accounts for a quarter of the world's tobacco users, including 288 million smokeless tobacco users—80% of the global total—and an estimated 1.8 million adult and 500,000 adolescent e-cigarette users. In Europe, adult tobacco use fell from 49.8% of men and 22.3% of women in 2000 to 30.8% and 17.4% in 2024, respectively. The region is home to over 40% of the world's female smokers. Among adolescents aged 13–15, e-cigarette use is especially high at 14.3%, more than triple the adult This year's InterTabac and InterSupply shows were another smashing success with exhibitors and visitors from all over the world convening in Dortmund, Germany. Credit: Messe Dortmund. InterTabac 2025 Marks Milestone InterTabac and InterSupply 2025 once again turned Dortmund into the global hub of the tobacco and nicotine industry, drawing more than 800 exhibitors from nearly 70 countries. The three-day event showcased innovation, industry dialogue, and deal-making across 11 halls and the North Entrance at Messe Dortmund, marking the 45th edition of the world's largest tobacco trade fair. The anniversary event received an overwhelmingly positive response, with nearly 90% of attendees saying they plan to return in 2026. Sabine Loos, managing director of Westfalenhallen Unternehmensgruppe, which operates Messe Dortmund, said the event's continued success reflects its role as the world's leading platform for innovation and professional exchange. rate. Kristina Mauer-Stender, WHO/Europe regional advisor for tobacco control, warned that flavored products, appealing packaging, and social media promotion are driving youth exposure to nicotine. Overall, 11.6% of European adolescents use some form of tobacco, with cigarette use highest among girls at 8.7%. Southeast Asia alone accounts for more than half of the projected global decline in tobacco users, with 69 million fewer between 2010 and 2025. Eleven European countries have met or are on track to meet the Sustainable Development Goal 3.a target of a 30% reduction in tobacco use by 2025, while others are close. Indonesia Keeps Tobacco Excise Steady Indonesia will maintain its tobacco excise taxes at current levels in 2026, citing concerns about potential job losses in the industry, finance minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa told Reuters. "We decided not to increase excise tax rates for tobacco products next year, but we will clean up the market of illegal tobacco products," "Together, InterTabac and InterSupply are the world's leading forum for innovation, profes- sional dialogue, and deal-making," Loos said. "An interested, well-informed trade audience from all segments of the industry is encountering unrivaled variety and diversity of products and services. That's what makes trade shows – and InterTabac in particular – unique and irreplaceable." Visitors came from across the world, including the US, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, China, Indonesia, India, South Korea, the UAE, and South Africa, as well as major European markets such as Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Austria, the Benelux region, and the UK. Many participants attended to strengthen existing business ties, explore new opportunities, and stay informed about the latest trends. Retailers once again represented the largest group of attendees, accounting for roughly 35%, followed by wholesalers and distributors at 20% and manufacturers at 15%. Exhibitors shared similar enthusiasm, with almost 90% expressing their intent to return in 2026. International participation remained strong, as about 80% of InterTabac exhibitors and nearly 90% of InterSupply participants came from outside Germany. Satisfaction among exhibitors was notably high, with 97% of companies saying they would exhibit again next year. Exhibitor registration for InterTabac and InterSupply 2026, which will take place September 15-17, is now open.

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