Australia's illicit tobacco market shrinks for first time in years
After five years of rapid growth, Australia's black market tobacco fell from 5,972 to between 4,453 and 5,893 tonnes.
Why it matters
Shrinking black markets helps public health, stops criminal profit, and saves tax money for public services.
In Australia. This success affects all Australians, lower organised crime profits, fewer illegal shops, and potential lower prices for legal tobacco as the black market loses market share.
Key facts
- 22.6 percent for 5 years
- Annual growth rate
- 5,972 tonnes
- Previous peak
- 4,453 to 5,893 tonnes
- Current estimate range
- 730 tonnes July-September
- Seizure three months
- Australia's black market for tobacco shrank for the first time in years after a tough government crackdown, officials say.
- The market had grown 22.6 percent each year for five years, but it fell sharply in the past 12 months.
- Authorities seized 730 tonnes between July and September alone.
- The Illicit Tobacco and E-cigarette Commissioner says the total black market fell to between 4,453 and 5,893 tonnes.
- The government credits stronger border checks, bigger seizures, and better teamwork between federal, state and territory agencies.
- A new National Disruption Group has run more than 600 operations nationwide since last October.
