Hong Kong smoking rate falls to single digits
Citing a Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department survey, Hong Kong’s smoking rate fell to 9.5% in 2021, reaching single digits for the first time. In 2019, 10.2% of Hong Kong residents smoked. The survey showed that about 581,500 people aged 15 and abo
According to a survey report from the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department, the smoking rate in Hong Kong fell to 9.5% in 2021, reaching single digits for the first time. In 2019, 10.2% of Hong Kong residents smoked.
The survey results show that in 2021, the number of daily traditional cigarette smokers was approximately 581,500, accounting for 9.5% of the population aged 15 and above in Hong Kong.
The survey also found that traditional cigarette smokers consumed an average of about 13 traditional cigarettes per day, which is consistent with 2019.
Despite the overall decline in tobacco use, the number of e-cigarette users surged from 7,200 in 2019 to 17,500 last year.
After Hong Kong banned the import, manufacture, sale, and distribution of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, the number of users of alternative smoking products may decrease. This ban took effect on April 30.
Health Secretary Chen Zhaocai stated that Hong Kong aims to reduce the smoking rate to 7.8% by 2025. To achieve this, the government is considering expanding statutory no-smoking areas, reducing the overall appeal of tobacco products, and preventing young people from developing smoking habits.
