Uruguay is Still Smokin’ Hot!

Two independent studies point to the fact that cigarette smokers in Uruguay still prefer illicit cigarettes.

The first was a nationwide study that surveyed residents in Uruguay above 17 years of age, with the results presented to the public in October 2023.

The second study was more focused, surveying about 1,000 participants in the two largest municipalities of Uruguay and presenting results to the public in December 2024.

It is interesting to note that both studies point to the same conclusion: illicit cigarette consumption in Uruguay has been climbing steadily for several years.

Study no 1

The first study was conducted in the second quarter of 2023 by independent market research company, Factum. The study was requested and funded by The Association of Tobacco and Cigarette Distributors (ADITACI – Asociación de Distribuidores de Tabaco y Cigarrillos) to estimate the amount of tax evasion related to cigarette, tobacco, cannabis and vape consumption, as well as cigarette purchasing patterns in the country.