2003年-世界发展银行全球_Tobacco_Economics_in_Myanmar_98页_878kb

Tobacco Economics in Myanmar: Summary

Core Content

This document presents an analysis of the tobacco economics in Myanmar, focusing on the industry's performance, smoking prevalence, pricing and taxation, and the health and economic consequences of tobacco use. It also includes policy recommendations for effective tobacco control.

Main Points

1. General Economic Situation

• Population: In 2000, Myanmar's population was estimated at 49 million.
• GDP Growth: The GDP growth rate increased from 6% during 1996–1998 to an average of 12% since 1999.
• Labor Force: In 1996–97, over 11 million (63%) of the 18 million workforce were engaged in the agricultural sector.
• Unemployment: The unemployment rate was fairly stable at around 4%.

2. Tobacco Growing and Industry

• Tobacco Production: Most tobacco production in Myanmar is for cheroots, made in factories and cottage industries.
• Cigarette Production: Two state-owned factories produce cigarettes, one in Yangon and one in Pakokku.
• Production Trends: Cigarette production declined from 1985–86 to 1993–94, then increased from 1994–95 onwards. Cheroot production also declined from 1988 to 1995.
• Imports and Exports: Cigarettes and raw tobacco products are increasingly imported. Myanmar does not export any tobacco products.
• Taxation: Domestic tobacco products are exempt from commercial taxes up to kyats 240,000 annually. Above this threshold, cigarettes are taxed at 75% of the retail price, cheroots at 10%, cigars and pipes at 20%, and betel preparations and pipe tobacco at 25%. Virginia and cured tobacco are not taxed.

3. Smoking Prevalence and Tobacco Use

• Prevalence: Surveys suggest that over 50% of the population over 15 smokes, with men smoking more than women.
• Gender Differences: Male smoking prevalence was 60% in 1999 and 2000, but dropped to 31% in the 2001 survey. Female prevalence varied widely, from 7% to over 50%.
• Tobacco Types: Cheroots are the most commonly used tobacco product, consumed in both urban and rural areas. Cigarettes are more prevalent in urban areas and among adolescents.
• Consumption Levels: The median daily consumption is 4 sticks for males and 3 sticks for females.

4. Prices, Taxes and Demand

• Real Prices: Real prices of all tobacco products have declined since 1987/1988, especially for cigarettes.
• Price Elasticity: The demand for tobacco is highly price-sensitive, with a price elasticity of -1.62. A 10% price increase could lead to a 16% decrease in consumption.
• Income and Location Sensitivity: Lower income groups and younger people are more sensitive to price changes.
• Government Revenue: Tobacco accounts for only 1.4% of total government revenue.
• Household Expenditure: On average, households spend 2.7% of their total expenditure on tobacco, with lower income groups spending 4% and urban areas spending more than rural areas.

5. Health Consequences of Tobacco Use

• Health Burden: There is an increasing trend in admissions for cancers (oesophagus, stomach, lungs, larynx), tuberculosis, and stroke.
• Medical Costs: In 1999, smoking-attributable direct medical costs were estimated at kyats 85.3 million for inpatient care and kyats 37.9 million for outpatient cases.
• Health Impact: Tobacco use contributes significantly to the health burden, with associated morbidity and mortality.

6. Policy Recommendations

• Tax Increases: Increase tobacco product prices by at least 5% above inflation annually.
• License and Registration: All tobacco-related enterprises and shops should be licensed, with employees registered under the social security scheme.
• Health Promotion: Enhance health promotion through mass media and interpersonal communication, especially by healthcare professionals.
• Tobacco-Free Zones: Enact and enforce legislation to make schools, workplaces, and public places tobacco-free.
• Warning Labels: Implement strong, large warning labels on all tobacco products.
• Access Restrictions: Prohibit minors under 18 from accessing any form of tobacco.
• Data Collection: Establish a system for regular reporting by the private health care sector to the Ministry of Health.
• Research Support: Encourage research on smoking prevalence, behavioral patterns, and socio-economic impacts of tobacco use.

Key Information

• Tobacco Products: Cheroots are the most common, followed by cigarettes, cigars, and pipe tobacco.
• Taxation Policy: The current tax structure is uneven, with cheroots being the cheapest and most lightly taxed product.
• Public Health Impact: Tobacco use is a major contributor to disease burden and healthcare costs.
• Economic Impact: While tobacco contributes to government revenue, the economic benefits of reducing tobacco use, such as lower healthcare costs and increased productivity, outweigh the potential losses.
• Control Measures: Effective tobacco control measures include taxation, advertising bans, and public health education.

Conclusion

The study emphasizes the need for stronger tobacco control policies, particularly through taxation and public health education, to reduce consumption and its associated health and economic burdens. It also highlights the importance of collaboration between health and finance ministries to implement these measures effectively.