US government withdraws FDA menthol ban
The Trump administration has withdrawn plans to ban menthol cigarettes in the United States, dealing a setback to health regulators and anti-tobacco campaigners. In April 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration proposed banning flavored cigars and men
The Trump administration has withdrawn its plan to ban menthol cigarettes in the United States, a setback for health regulators and anti-tobacco advocates.
In April 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed banning the sale of flavored cigars and menthol cigarettes after several health advocacy groups said these products are highly addictive and particularly appealing to young people. A document filed by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs on January 21, 2025, shows that the proposal has now been "withdrawn."
The FDA submitted the final version of the rule to the White House in October 2023. However, according to Reuters, the administration allowed dozens of meetings with groups opposing the rule, including civil rights advocates, business owners, and law enforcement officials. The government failed to issue a final rule on the ban before the deadlines in December 2023 and March 2024.
An estimated 18.5 million smokers use menthol cigarettes, accounting for one-third of the U.S. market, meaning a ban would have cost the industry billions of dollars in revenue each year.
After news of the withdrawal broke, tobacco company shares rose today, with British American Tobacco up 1.3%, while Altria Group and Philip Morris International both gained 1%. The market reaction suggests investors were relieved by the removal of a major regulatory risk for these companies.
