”Snus sense? The effect of the export restriction on the Swedish economy.” On behalf of the Swedish Trade Association, the Swedish Retail Institute has investigated the size of a possible Swedish export of snus to the EU.
Despite the fact that smokeless tobacco products have to a certain degree been allowed within the EU, snus has been restricted for export within the union since 1992. At the same time, although Sweden has a legally binding exception from this restriction – something that is unique within the EU – it has not been possible for Swedish snus producers to export to the EU. This has blocked a possibility for Swedish food exports, an export that is currently relatively limited. The value of this blocked export market can potentially amount to a considerable figure in the form of exports, employment and tax revenue.
The investigation finds that the export prohibition costs at least 3 billion SEK annually in the form of export revenues; that a legalisation of snus could lift Swedish food exports to the EU with 10 percent, and double employment and tax revenues from the trade. Since 1995, the export prohibition has cost about 30 billion SEK in lost export revenues.
You can find the report in full here.
Questions on the report is answered by:
Per Hortlund
Tel: +46 8 762 7292
Mail: per.hortlund@hui.se