Smoking rates fall to historic low across Australia despite the rise of illicit tobacco
Summary
Daily smoking rates in Australia have dropped to a historic low of 5.6% in 2025, surpassing national targets. However, more smokers are turning to illegal tobacco, even as vaping use has leveled off and overall nicotine use is declining.Key Facts
- Daily smoking among Australians aged 14 and over fell from 8.3% in 2022-23 to 5.6% in 2025.
- The government aimed to reduce smoking to under 10% by 2025 and now targets 5% or less by 2030.
- Over two-thirds of Australians 14+ have never smoked, a historic high.
- 34% of smokers reported recently using illicit tobacco, up from 16.7% in 2022-23.
- About 22% bought branded illegal tobacco without health warnings; 1 in 6 smoke unbranded loose tobacco.
- More than half of those buying illicit tobacco got it from tobacconists.
- Overall nicotine use (from smoking, vaping, and cessation products) fell from 17.4% to 15.2%.
- Experts say tackling illicit tobacco needs stronger law enforcement, not lower taxes on legal cigarettes.
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