Relative affordability of heated tobacco products and cigarettes: a cross-country comparative analysis of 55 countries
August 07, 2026 by springer.com
Relative affordability of heated tobacco products and cigarettes: a cross-country comparative analysis of 55 countries
Affordability can decide whether harm reduction is realistic or theoretical. A cross-country analysis of 55 countries found that heated tobacco products are often less affordable than cigarettes, especially in lower-income settings and among lower-income groups. That matters because price shapes behaviour: if lower-risk alternatives cost more than cigarettes, switching becomes harder for the people who may need it most. Tobacco policy should look beyond tax rates alone and consider the real consumer price of moving away from combustion.
