WHO commends Vietnam for increasing tobacco and alcohol tax

WHO commends Vietnamese lawmakers for their careful deliberations and for their vote for the health of Vietnamese people from the risks of alcohol, tobacco and sugary drinks, WHO Representative in Vietnam Dr. Angela Pratt stated, as quoted by the Government News on June 16.

The WHO Representative in Vietnam made the announcement as National Assembly members voted to approve the revised Excise Tax Law, raising tobacco and alcohol tax, and introducing tax on sugar-sweetened beverages on June 14.

"We look forward to continuing to work together for a safer and healthier Vietnam," Ms. Angela Pratt said.

The WHO Representative congratulated the Vietnamese Government  on adopting increased and new taxes on these unhealthy products, which will contribute to a healthier and more prosperous country.

"WHO is very pleased that law makers have seized this opportunity to achieve a 'win-win' of reducing the consumption of tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks – and therefore reducing harm and health costs for decades to come – while generating additional revenue for key Government priorities. Reducing consumption of these unhealthy products will improve population health, and in doing so, workforce participation and productivity," said Dr. Pratt.

In Vietnam, high rates of smoking, alcohol consumption and rapidly rising consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, including amongst youth, are threats to both health and economic growth in Vietnam.

Today's vote is an important step which will contribute to Vietnam's national and international targets and commitments to reduce rates of tobacco smoking, in particular. They create a valuable basis for future increases in tax, and therefore price, to reduce consumption of these harmful products.

Earlier, the National Assembly approved to raise the special consumption tax on alcohol and beer from the current 65 per cent to 70 per cent by 2027 (a one‑year delay) and ultimately 90 per cent by 2031, aiming to curb excessive alcohol consumption.

In May 2025, the WHO urged Vietnam to use this tax reform as a "historic opportunity" to impose a higher tobacco excise, specifically suggesting a VND15,000 ($0.57) per pack specific tax (on top of the existing 75 per cent) by 2030. Such a move could reduce male smoking rates below 36 per cent and eliminate about 3.2 million smokers by 2030.