The tobacco industry in Yemen is a fascinating and complex sector, with a rich history and a significant impact on the country’s economy. Despite the challenges, the industry continues to thrive, offering a unique insight into Yemen’s economic landscape.
Early Beginnings
Yemen has a long history of tobacco cultivation, processing, consumption, and trade . The industry began to take shape with the establishment of cigarette factories in Aden and Hodeidah in the late 20th century.
Modern Developments
Over the years, the industry has faced numerous challenges, including a high reliance on imported raw materials and stringent government regulations . Despite these obstacles, tobacco production in Yemen has persisted, with the country producing 28598 tons of tobacco in 2019 .
Domestic Producers
Domestic producers have played a significant role in the Yemeni tobacco industry. However, the industry has seen a decline in the number of large establishments, from four to three, since 1999 .
International Influence
The international influence on the Yemeni tobacco industry is significant, with multinational tobacco companies using aggressive marketing strategies to reach consumers . Illicit trade in tobacco, allegedly originating from Gulf countries, also impacts the industry .
Existing Laws and Regulations
Yemen has several laws in place to combat smoking and mitigate its damages . These include the Prime Minister’s Resolution No. 126 Concerning the Protection of Society and Individuals from the Hazards of Smoking and Law No. 26 of 2005 Concerning Combating Smoking and Treatment of its Damages .
Enforcement Challenges
Despite these laws, enforcement remains a challenge. Many countries in low-resource settings, including Yemen, face significant hurdles in enforcing anti-tobacco laws .
Revenue Generation
The tobacco industry contributes significantly to Yemen’s economy. The total revenue of the six largest tobacco companies in the world was USD 336 billion in 2019, indicating the industry’s economic potential .
Employment Opportunities
The tobacco industry also provides employment opportunities. However, the industry’s reliance on imported raw materials poses challenges to domestic job creation .
Potential Developments
The future of the tobacco industry in Yemen is uncertain. Factors such as regulatory changes, economic conditions, and public health initiatives will play a significant role in shaping the industry’s future.
Efforts Towards Tobacco Control
Efforts towards tobacco control in Yemen include implementing stricter regulations and promoting alternative crops for farmers . However, these efforts face challenges due to the influence of the tobacco industry and lack of resources and funding .
what is the history of tobacco cultivation in yemen
The history of tobacco cultivation in Yemen dates back to a time when the country was known for its agricultural activities, including the cultivation of tobacco. Tobacco is primarily cultivated in the coastal areas of Hodeidah, Hadhramout, Mahra, Aden, and Lahj governorates, as well as in some inland valleys in Hadhramout and Abyen . The industry began to take shape with the establishment of cigarette factories in Aden and Hodeidah in the late 20th century, which were significant developments for the local tobacco industry .
These factories were established by Yemeni businessmen and a joint stock firm formed by several Yemeni individuals along with the Northern government, which held a total share of 28% . The tobacco sector in Yemen has faced challenges such as the scarcity of local raw materials and an increasing reliance on imported inputs. Despite these challenges, there is potential to develop local raw materials to be utilized by tobacco enterprises through improved agricultural extension and tobacco cultivation .
Throughout its history, Yemen has also been influenced by the introduction of new crops by external forces, such as the Ottoman Turks, who introduced a variety of new crops to the region, including maize and tomatoes . This adaptability and introduction of new crops have been a part of Yemen’s agricultural evolution, which includes tobacco cultivation.
what is the current state of tobacco use in yemen
The current state of tobacco use in Yemen is characterized by a significant prevalence among both adults and youth. As of 2020, the adult smoking prevalence in Yemen was 20.3%, a slight decline from 20.5% in 2019 . The number of adult smokers in Yemen, aged 15 years and older, was approximately 3,657,898 . The prevalence of smokeless tobacco use among adults was 11% .
The smoking rate among youth aged 10-14 years was 6% . A study conducted among college students in the rural area of Hajja, Yemen, highlighted the prevalence of waterpipe use, which was 4.9% among males and 1.6% among females .
The smoking prevalence among males was significantly higher than females in Yemen. For instance, the prevalence of any tobacco smoking among males was 28.6% compared to 6.5% among females . Similarly, the prevalence of cigarette smoking among males was 21.4% compared to 3.7% among females.
It’s worth noting that the overall adult smoking prevalence in Yemen has shown a decrease from 22% in 2000 to 17.5% in 2015, with a projection to decrease further to around 16% by 2025 . This downward trend has been largely driven by a decline in women’s smoking prevalence .
Conclusion
The tobacco industry in Yemen is a complex and multifaceted sector with significant economic and health impacts. While the industry faces numerous challenges, it also presents opportunities for regulatory reform and public health initiatives. As Yemen navigates its future, the evolution of its tobacco industry will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the country’s economic and public health landscape.
Statistics:
In 2019, Yemen produced 28598 tons of tobacco on 13236 hectares of quality agricultural land . The smoking rate in Yemen for 2020 was 20.30%, a 0.2% decline from 2019 . Yemen also imports a significant amount of tobacco, with major imports coming from the United Arab Emirates and other countries .
FAQs:
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What is the impact of the tobacco industry on Yemeni culture?
The tobacco industry has a significant impact on Yemeni culture, with tobacco use being prevalent among different age groups . -
What is the state of tobacco taxation and revenue in Yemen?
Large tax shares of price in the tobacco industry are usually a good indicator that taxes are working effectively . -
What is the situation of tobacco smuggling in Yemen?
This information is not available in the provided sources. -
What are the tobacco control efforts in Yemen?
Regulations on Tobacco Advertising, Promotion, and Sponsorship (TAPS) exist in Yemen . -
What challenges does the Yemeni tobacco industry face?
The Yemeni tobacco industry faces challenges such as a high reliance on imported raw materials . -
What is the prevalence of tobacco use in Yemen?
The smoking rate in Yemen for 2020 was 20.30% . -
What is the regulatory landscape of tobacco in Yemen?
Regulations on Tobacco Advertising, Promotion, and Sponsorship (TAPS) exist in Yemen . -
Can you give a historical overview of the tobacco industry in Yemen?
The tobacco industry in Yemen has a rich history, marked by aggressive marketing towards lower-income populations and youth . -
Who are the key players in the Yemeni tobacco industry?
This information is not available in the provided sources. -
What is the economic impact of tobacco in Yemen?
The tobacco industry profits significantly from producing and selling tobacco in Yemen . -
What is the state of tobacco production and trade in Yemen?
In 2019, Yemen produced 28598 tons of tobacco. The country also imports a significant amount of tobacco . -
What is the international influence on the Yemeni tobacco industry?
This information is not available in the provided sources. -
What is the state of tobacco-related employment in Yemen?
This information is not available in the provided sources. -
What is the state of tobacco advertising and marketing in Yemen?
The tobacco industry in Yemen markets its products aggressively, particularly towards lower-income populations and youth . -
What is the prevalence of tobacco use among different age groups in Yemen?
The smoking rate in Yemen for 2020 was 20.30% .
Books:
“The Tobacco Industry of Western Asia” provides an overview of the tobacco industry in Western Asia, including Yemen .
Sources of information:
Information on the tobacco industry in Yemen can be found in various sources such as the Tobacco Atlas https://tobaccoatlas.org/factsheets/yemen/, the International Labour Organization https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/—ed_dialogue/—sector/documents/publication/wcms_329284.pdf, PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37184532/, Volza https://www.volza.com/p/tobacco/import/import-in-yemen/, the World Bank https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/fr/128131468170992401/text/335630a1Yemen1Update1Summer12003.txt, MacroTrends https://www.macrotrends.net/countries/YEM/yemen/smoking-rate-statistics, the World Health Organization https://www.emro.who.int/press-releases/2013/tobacco-industry-ramadan-audience.html, and the CIA World Factbook https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/yemen/.
Citations:
- Tobacco Atlas. Yemen | Tobacco Atlas. https://tobaccoatlas.org/factsheets/yemen/
- International Labour Organization. INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANIZATION. https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/—ed_dialogue/—sector/documents/publication/wcms_329284.pdf
- PubMed. The associations between cigarette smoking behavior and the use of heated tobacco products among Arab cigarette smokers: Findings from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kuwait, and Yemen – PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37184532/
- Volza. Tobacco Imports in Yemen – Import data with price, buyer, supplier, HSN code. https://www.volza.com/p/tobacco/import/import-in-yemen/
- World Bank. 335630a1Yemen1Update1Sum… – World Bank Documents. https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/fr/128131468170992401/text/335630a1Yemen1Update1Summer12003.txt
- MacroTrends. Yemen Smoking Rate 2000-2024. https://www.macrotrends.net/countries/YEM/yemen/smoking-rate-statistics
- World Health Organization. Tobacco and entertainment industries target Ramadan audience. https://www.emro.who.int/press-releases/2013/tobacco-industry-ramadan-audience.html
- Google Books. The Tobacco Industry of Western Asia. https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Tobacco_Industry_of_Western_Asia.html?id=8pXcYDr1gd0C
- CIA World Factbook. Yemen. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/yemen/