Morocco Rings in the New Year with Higher Cigarette Prices
A New Year’s Puff Comes at a Premium: Cigarette Prices Rise in Morocco
Moroccans lighting up on New Year’s Day 2025 faced a more expensive habit, as cigarette prices officially increased across the country. The hike, effective Wednesday, January 1st, follows a directive issued by the Customs and Indirect Tax Administration on December 30th, 2024, and is based on Ministry of Economy and Finance decision number 3185.24, published in the Official Bulletin. This price adjustment comes as part of the 2025 Finance Law, which aims to boost tax revenue from manufactured tobacco.
This isn’t the first time cigarette prices have seen an upward trend. The new directive references previous memoranda from December 29th, 2023, and March 29th, 2024, indicating a series of incremental increases. This ongoing trend reflects a global push to curb smoking rates through taxation, as seen in countries like France and Australia, where high cigarette prices are a key component of tobacco control strategies. [Link to article or study about cigarette taxes and public health].
So, what are the new prices? Premium brands like Marlboro (Red Beyond and Beyond Blue) now cost 41 dirhams per pack, a significant jump. Popular choices like Camel (Silver, Filters, Lights) are priced at 35 dirhams, while Camel Blue and Yellow are slightly less at 34.5 dirhams. Gauloises Lights are available for 27 dirhams, with Sweet and Blend varieties at 29 dirhams, and Rich Gold at 30 dirhams. Fortuna remains a more budget-friendly option, ranging between 25 and 26 dirhams depending on the specific type.
Other brands also saw price adjustments. L&M Intense now costs 27 dirhams, while Winston Blue and Red are both priced at 34 dirhams. Locally produced Casa cigarettes are available for 29 dirhams, with Marquise Classic at 28 dirhams and Marquise Lights at 26 dirhams.
The 2025 Finance Law projects that taxes on manufactured tobacco, classified as internal consumption taxes, will generate over 13.7 billion dirhams in revenue. This substantial figure underscores the significance of the tobacco industry as a source of funding for the Moroccan treasury. However, it also raises questions about the ethical implications of relying on a product known to be detrimental to public health. [Link to article discussing the ethics of tobacco taxation].
The increased cost of cigarettes is likely to impact smokers’ wallets, potentially encouraging some to consider quitting. Resources are available for those looking to break the habit, including [Link to a Moroccan smoking cessation resource or website]. While the long-term effects of these price increases remain to be seen, it’s clear that the Moroccan government is taking steps to increase revenue and potentially influence smoking behavior. It will be interesting to observe how these changes play out in the coming year and whether they contribute to a decline in smoking rates.
Keywords: Morocco, cigarette prices, tobacco tax, 2025 Finance Law, Marlboro, Camel, Gauloises, Fortuna, Winston, Casa, Marquise, smoking cessation, public health, dirham, tax revenue, tobacco control.
