International Resource Center

HomeInternational Overview

Mexico: Overview

Consumption

• Approximately 16 percent (10.9 million adults) of the population currently smoke.
• Almost 25 percent of men and 8 percent of women smoke.
• Among youth (age 13-15) in Mexico City, over 27 percent smoke cigarettes with little difference between genders (boys 26 percent; girls 27 percent).

Health consequences

• An estimated 60,000 Mexicans die each year from tobacco-related diseases, which account for 10 percent of total deaths.
• In Mexico City, 60 percent of youth (age 13-15) are exposed to secondhand smoke in public places, while 46 percent are exposed to secondhand smoke at home.

Tobacco industry

The international tobacco companies dominate Mexico’s cigarette market, holding almost 99 percent of the market share. In 2008, Cigarros la Tabacalera Mexicana, a Philip Morris International subsidiary, held 65 percent of market share. It was followed by British American Tobacco (23 percent) and Japan Tobacco (10 percent). In 2008, over 35 billion cigarettes were sold in Mexico.

FCTC status

Mexico ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on May 28, 2004.

Tobacco control policy status

Smoke-free environments: Mexico passed a national smoke-free law in 2008; however, the law allows designated smoking rooms. Mexico has a national ban on smoking in primary and secondary educational facilities. Sub-national jurisdictions have the authority to pass smoke-free laws that are stronger (but not weaker) than the national law. In 2008, Mexico City banned smoking in indoor workplaces and public places, including restaurants and bars.

Advertising, promotion and sponsorship: Tobacco advertising is banned on TV, radio and in magazines targeting children. Tobacco sponsorship and free distribution are also banned. However, advertising is still allowed at point-of-sale, on the Internet and in publications for adults.

Warning labels: Currently, text-only warning labels cover 25 percent of one side of the packages. However, a 2008 national law mandates that graphic warning labels cover 30 percent of the front (with pictures) and 100 percent of the back (with text only) of tobacco packages. Implementation of the first new set of warning labels will take place September 25, 2010.

Tobacco taxes: Cigarettes are cheap in Mexico compared to other upper middle income countries. Tobacco taxes in Mexico are below the rate recommended by the World Bank (from 65 percent to 80 percent of retail price) that is commonly present in countries with effective tobacco control policies.