Imports of tobacco and byproducts dropped by 43.78 per cent last year to stand at SR1.7 billion, down from SR3.4 billion in 2017, as the selective tax had its toll on domestic consumption.
According to official data, the overall tobacco weight decreased by 27.7% to 32,000 tons (88 tons daily) last year, down from 44,000 in 2017, reported Okaz.
The overall weight of tobacco imports dropped by 48.39% in two years (2016 and 2017), after reaching 62,000 tons in 2016, reflecting a sharp decrease of consumption in the Saudi market.
Saudi Arabia became the first Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country to impose excise tax at 100 percent on tobacco products and energy drinks, and 50 percent on soft drinks, from June 10, 2017.
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