In 2022, in accordance with the requirements of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (hereinafter referred to as the “FCTC”), the contracting parties took various measures to reduce tobacco demand, supply, and harm. These measures included the development of comprehensive tobacco control strategies, adjustments to tobacco product taxes and prices, prevention of exposure to tobacco smoke, strengthening of tobacco product flavors and nicotine control, adjustments to tobacco product packaging and labeling, enhanced regulation of novel tobacco products, and initiation of tobacco control-related legal proceedings. Stakeholders such as the World Health Organization, tobacco control non-governmental organizations, and multinational tobacco companies also took new initiatives. The global tobacco control efforts have shown continuous deepening of regulation for a wide range of tobacco products, frequent extreme tobacco control measures that go beyond the framework of the FCTC, and a shift in focus from formulation to implementation of tobacco control measures.

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In 2022, the world witnessed a significant slowdown in economic growth, escalating geopolitical issues, and increasingly stringent tobacco control measures. The global tobacco industry sought to develop amidst this complex and ever-changing environment. Overall, tobacco consumption worldwide (excluding mainland China) remained stable. Legal cigarette sales saw a slight decline to 55.167 million cases, while the illegal cigarette trade experienced significant growth. The growth rate of heated cigarettes declined, but the sales of electronic cigarettes showed a rebound. Tobacco leaf production remained stable, with a total output of 1.742 million tons (34.84 million quintals). Brazil and the United States saw a significant decrease in production, leading to an overall increase in tobacco leaf prices and improved performance for the two major tobacco leaf companies.

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Alabama legislators recently passed a bill prohibiting smoking or vaping in vehicles carrying passengers under 14 years old. The ban aims to protect child health from secondhand smoke risks.

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Mexico has implemented one of the world’s toughest anti-tobacco laws, banning smoking in all public spaces and prohibiting tobacco advertising. The legislation, initially approved in 2021, extends the country’s 2008 smoke-free laws to include parks, beaches, hotels, offices, and restaurants. It also introduces a total ban on the display, promotion, and sponsorship of tobacco products, including in retail stores.

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Monroe County, which encompasses the Florida Keys, has passed a new law banning smoking on several of its beaches and in its parks. The ordinance, approved unanimously and without discussion by the Monroe County Commissioners in August, prohibits smoking any lighted tobacco product on county-owned beaches and parks, with the exception of unfiltered cigars.

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The city of Miami Beach has passed a new law banning cigarette smoking at its renowned beaches and public parks, set to take effect on January 1, 2023. The law, which received final approval from city commissioners on Wednesday, outlaws the smoking of cigarettes and other tobacco products in these areas, with an exception for unfiltered cigars.

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Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a bill giving local governments in Florida the authority to restrict smoking on public beaches and parks. The legislation, House Bill 105, was passed by the Florida Legislature in March and aims to protect the public from the health hazards of secondhand tobacco smoke.

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France, a country with around 15 million smokers, has a lower proportion of smokers compared to the EU average, according to the latest figures from Eurostat. However, it is not uncommon to see drivers in France with a cigarette in hand while behind the wheel. This raises the question: is smoking while driving illegal in France due to the potential dangers it poses?

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New Zealand has announced a plan to ban cigarette sales to anyone born after 2008, effectively phasing out smoking for future generations. The law, expected to take effect next year, is part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce smoking rates and improve public health.

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Pennsylvania State Senator Gene Yaw, R-Lycoming County, has introduced a bill that would impose fines on drivers who smoke in a vehicle with a child under the age of 13. The measure, Senate Bill 667, passed the Senate Transportation Committee on Wednesday by a vote of 11-3.

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