The cross-effects of cigarette and betel nut consumption in Taiwan: have tax increases made a difference?

Health Policy Plan. 2011 May;26(3):266-73. doi: 10.1093/heapol/czq041. Epub 2010 Aug 31.

Abstract

This paper empirically identifies cross-price elasticities of betel nut and cigarette consumption in Taiwan based on the Central Bureau of Statistics demand model. It compares reduction of cigarette consumption as a result of the proposed Betel Nut Health Tax with reduction of betel nut consumption as a result of the Tobacco Health and Welfare Taxes levied in 2002 and 2006, in order to determine which tax is most effective. Results from a simulated comparative analysis indicate that the Betel Nut Health Tax reduces cigarette consumption to a much greater extent than the Tobacco Health and Welfare Taxes reduce betel nut consumption.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Areca*
  • Female
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Smoking / economics*
  • Smoking / epidemiology
  • Smoking Prevention*
  • Taiwan / epidemiology
  • Taxes / economics
  • Taxes / trends*