The Economics of Tobacco Use in Jordan

Introduction: We conducted an independent survey of tobacco use in Jordan following the methods and template of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey. Using data collected on cigarette use and cigarette prices, we estimated the price elasticity of cigarette demand in Jordan.

Methods: We used a 2-part model of cigarette demand. In the first part, we estimate the impact of prices on the decision to smoke while controlling for individual demographic and environmental characteristics. Conditional on smoking, we then estimate the effect of price on the number of cigarettes smoked.

Results: The total price elasticity of cigarette demand in Jordan was estimated to be −0.6. Smoking among women was found to be relatively unresponsive to price (elasticity of −0.01), whereas smoking among men was much more responsive to price (elasticity of −0.81).

Conclusions: The price elasticity estimates suggest that significant increases in tobacco taxes are likely to be effective in reducing smoking in Jordan, particularly smoking among men.