China’s smokers light up global tobacco sales despite bans

Unlike in much of the world, where strict controls have led to a decline in smoking, research suggests cigarette sales in China have risen in recent years.

William Langley and Haohsiang Ko

Jan 14, 2025 – 5.48pm

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Guangzhou/Hong Kong | Hiding under a parasol from the pouring rain, smoking a cheap cigarette outside the hair salon where he works in Guangzhou, Xu is a typical Chinese smoker: he is male, started young and does not think he can quit.

The 16-year-old began smoking in his first year of middle school and now gets through more than a pack a day. “At the time, I thought it was fun, really fun,” he said. “Now I’m addicted and there’s nothing to be done.”

Financial Times