According to the results of the first quarter of 2022, the share of the illegal cigarette market in Kyrgyzstan reached 9.5 percent. A study conducted by IPSOS S.A. independent company says.
It is noted that the indicator increased by 3.3 percent compared to the first quarter of 2021. At the same time, the main share is made up of the so-called «illicit whites» — these are cigarettes, which, as a rule, are legally produced in one country, smuggled across the border to the target market, where they are distributed illegally, without paying taxes. The share of such cigarettes in the Kyrgyz market is 8.5 percent, which is 4.4 percent higher than last year.
«Every year, the state loses $6-7 million in tax revenues due to smuggling of tobacco products. The product comes from the United Arab Emirates. Azerbaijan has also become a leader in the supply of illegal cigarettes to Kyrgyzstan. The list of main suppliers also includes Serbia, Great Britain, Turkey, Bulgaria,» an expert Kamila Aitkulova said.
The largest share of illicit trafficking is registered in Naryn region — 21.7 percent (+9.5 percent compared to the first quarter of last year). High rates are also observed in Talas — 18.1 percent (+13.8 percent) and Chui regions — 12.7 percent (- 0.4 percent).
