The Watching Brief series chronicles the most up-to-date data on smoking across the world. In the first of this series, Foundation economist Ayda Yurekli examines the current state of the Hungarian tobacco industry. From analyses of excise taxes to an investigation of illicit trade, this two-part Brief offers an illuminating look into the past, present, and future of smoking in Hungary.

Issue 1: In January of 2020, the Hungarian government significantly reduced its excise tax on e-cigarettes (ENDS), while it left heated tobacco product (HTP) excise taxes unchanged. We examine the potential impact of ENDS tax reduction on public health and government interests.

Issue 2: Hungary recently achieved a 9-percentage-point reduction in smoking prevalence – from 36% in 2005 to 27% and may set a target rate for being smoke-free in the near future.