Key facts
- EU illicit cigarette market consumption rose over 7% year-on-year in 2025.
- The illicit market share has surpassed 10% of total consumption for the first time since 2014.
- Counterfeit cigarettes are increasingly contributing to the illicit trade.
- Philip Morris International is calling for a coordinated response to combat illicit trade in Europe.
A new study indicates that the illicit cigarette market in the European Union has exceeded 10% of total consumption for the first time since 2014. In 2025, consumption of black-market cigarettes saw a year-on-year increase of over 7%. Counterfeit cigarettes are identified as a growing factor contributing to this rise across EU member states. Philip Morris International has reiterated its appeal for a unified approach to combatting illicit trade within Europe, emphasizing the need for evidence-based regulations and enhanced cooperation among authorities.