By Timothy S. Donahue
Top Takeaways:
- Tax hike effective May 1: Jamaica will increase the Special Consumption Tax on cigarettes from J$17 to J$20 per stick.
- Revenue impact: The government projects the increase will generate approximately J$1.1 billion for the national budget.
- Health alignment: The Jamaica Coalition for Tobacco Control says the move supports WHO FCTC compliance and could help reduce tobacco use, which was linked to an estimated 1,300 deaths in 2021.
Jamaica is increasing its Special Consumption Tax (SCT) on cigarettes, raising the per-stick levy from J$17 to J$20 (US$0.13) effective May 1.
The Jamaica Coalition for Tobacco Control (JCTC) welcomed the move, noting that it supports public health objectives and revenue generation. In a statement, the coalition said it “commends Finance Minister Fayval Williams for this bold step, which is expected to generate approximately $1.1 billion for the national budget and serve as a powerful tool to reduce tobacco consumption.
“Increasing cigarette prices is globally recognized as the most effective measure to reduce tobacco use among both young people and adults,” JCTC states.
Dr. Terry Baker, chair of the JCTC, said the tax hike signals Jamaica’s continued alignment with international tobacco-control commitments.
“This increase in the SCT is a strong signal of Jamaica’s continued intention to be compliant with the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which our nation ratified in 2005,” she said.
According to the coalition, tobacco smoking accounted for an estimated 1,300 deaths in Jamaica in 2021, representing more than 5% of all deaths. As of 2024, approximately 248,000 Jamaicans are current smokers.
The tax increase is projected to generate approximately J$1.1 billion (US$7 million) in additional revenue for the national budget.
