Tobacco News

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is urging the Thai government to comply with the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruling on cigarettes tax dispute with the Philippines.

The deadline for Thailand to comply with the WTO ruling regarding customs valuation and several taxation issues expired on May 15, the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the WTO reported. Ream more »

State lawmakers finally took action to end South Carolina’s status as the most smoking-friendly state in the nation. After the House and Senate voted last week to override Gov. Mark Sanford’s short-sighted veto of a 50-cent cigarette tax increase, this state no longer holds the dubious distinction of having the lowest cigarette tax in the nation. Read more

Cash-strapped states are hitting smokers hard in the pocketbook, raising cigarette taxes to help plug budget shortfalls. Read more