Cigarette imports and sales down

BARBADOS IS IMPORTING fewer cigarettes.

Figures from the Barbados Statistical Service show that over the past five years, fewer tobacco based-cigarettes were imported into the island.

In 2011, imports were valued at $13 103 418 but in 2015, the figure dropped to $9 055 274 – a decrease of $4 048 144.

Sales trends reported by several retailers also show that fewer Barbadians are buying cigarettes. Some said that even more cigarette packs could be left collecting dust on shelves after legislation to ban public advertisement of cigarettes is introduced.

When the SUNDAY SUN spoke with shopkeepers and owners recently, factors such as the price increase of the tobacco product, health concerns and the economic climate were linked to the sales dip.

Please read the full story in today’s Sunday Sun, or in the eNATION edition.