Imports down

The import of tobacco products to Saudi Arabia dropped by 43.1 percent last year to SAR1.78 billion ($475 million) compared with the previous year, reports the Saudi Gazette.

The drop is likely due to the implementation of an excise tax.

According to figures released by the Saudi Customs Authority, the country imported 8,720 tons of tobacco products worth SAR$500 million during the first quarter of 2019.

In June 2017, Saudi Arabia started imposing a selective tax of 100 percent on tobacco products and energy drinks and 50 percent on fizzy drinks. The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain followed suit.

Last year, Minister of Labor and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi issued an order effectively banning smoking in all workplaces and offices in the country.