Tobacco use is the second leading risk factor for early death and disability worldwide, claiming more than 8 million lives every year, out of which about 1.2 million are the result of non-smokers exposure to second-hand smoke (WHO, 2023[1]). The negative effects of smoking spread out beyond individual and population health affecting the economy as well. Between 2007 and 2023, the global average smoking prevalence has reduced from 22.3% to 16.4%, a relative reduction of 26% over 16 years (WHO, 2025[2]).
The prevalence of current use of any tobacco product, whether on a daily or non-daily basis, varies greatly across the LAC region and also between sexes. In 2025, the LAC22 average prevalence among men is over 15 is 19%, well below the OECD average of 24.8% for men of the same age group (Figure 4.18). Prevalence among men is particularly high in Bahamas, Chile and Argentina, the only LAC countries above the OECD average, with more than 25% of men aged 15 and over reporting current tobacco use. The lowest prevalence amongst men is observed in Panama and Paraguay, both below 10%. Among women, the prevalence of current tobacco use is considerably lower than among men. For instance, Guatemalan women smoke around 12 times less than men. In 2025, the LAC22 average among women is 5.8%, well below the OECD average of 17%. Chile is at the top with prevalence over 23%, followed by Argentina and Uruguay. The lowest female prevalence is found in Honduras, Guatemala and Panama, all below 2%.
E‑cigarette, a subset of electronic nicotine delivery systems, have rapidly gained popularity across the LAC region, becoming a key public health concern. These products have been promoted as “healthier alternatives” to conventional tobacco; however, they have failed to deliver the expected risk-reduction and now threaten the gains achieved in tobacco control through policy implementation (Izquierdo-Condoy, 2025[3]). In 2024, the prevalence of current e‑cigarette use among adults in LAC15 is 1.6%, almost four times lower than the OECD average of 5.8%. Trinidad and Tobago and Paraguay show adult e‑cigarette prevalence above 4%, while countries such as Uruguay, Panama and Saint Lucia report a prevalence below 0.5% (Figure 4.19. ).
Increasing tobacco prices through higher taxes is one of the most effective interventions to reduce tobacco use, as it discourages young people from starting cigarette smoking and encourages current smokers to quit. A recent review of studies conducted in LAC countries found that tax increases effectively reduce cigarette use and can also be expected to increase cigarette tax revenue (Guindon, Paraje and Chaloupka, 2018[4]), which can then support complementary interventions. The average taxation on a pack of 20 cigarettes in LAC is 47.6%, well below the OECD average of 72.8% (Figure 4.20). The countries with the highest total tax shares on tobacco are Chile, Brazil and Argentina with 82.6%, 79.4% and 78.5% respectively, although these are not the countries with the highest retail prices. The most expensive cigarette pack can be found in the Bahamas with a price of USD 13, while the cheapest are sold in Paraguay with a price of USD 0.46.
LAC countries can strengthen its regulations to reduce tobacco use by fully implementing the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. For this, WHO’s strategy MPOWER can be followed to monitor tobacco use and prevention policies; protect people from tobacco use; offer help to quit tobacco use; warn about the dangers of tobacco; enforce bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship; and raise taxes on tobacco (WHO, 2022[5]).
