The  most  direct  and  effective  method  for  reducing  tobacco  consumption  is  to  increase  the  price  of  tobacco  products  through  tax  increases.  Higher  tobacco  prices  encourage  cessation  among  existing  tobacco  users,  prevent  initiation  among  potential  users,  and  reduce  the  quantity  of  tobacco  consumed  among  continuing  users.

Higher  taxes  are  particularly  effective  in  reducing  tobacco  use  among  vulnerable  populations,  such  as  youth,  pregnant  women,  and  low-income  smokers.

An  increase  in  tobacco  taxes  by  10%  decreases  tobacco  consumption  by  4%  in  high-income  countries  and  by  about  8%  in  low-  and  middle-income  countries.  A  price  increase  of  10%  would  reduce  the  number  of  smokers  by  42