Law Reigns in U.S. Tobacco but Not Exports of Cigarettes

Obama, who has fought the tobacco addiction himself, just signed a law to reign in U.S. tobacco makers. The law gives major governmental powers to stop flavor additives and to require tough new warning labels. But what about exports of cigarettes?

The President said, as he signed the law, "The legislation I'm signing today represents change that's been decades in the making," "And today, despite decades of lobbying and advertising by the tobacco industry, we passed a law to help protect the next generation of Americans from growing up with a deadly habit that so many of our generation have lived with." A new regulatory organization is being created to oversee the regulation of tobacco products in the United States. The law bans cigarettes flavored with fruit juices and spice and is taking firm steps to insure tobacco firms submit information to the FDA revealing ingredients and additives in their products. Furthermore advertisements can’t be deceptive and call cigarettes “light” or “mild.” Outdoor tobacco advertising has been banned within 1000 feet of schools and playgrounds. In addition tobacco companies are no longer going to be able to sponsor sporting events or entertainment shows. The bill had the backing of the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association and the American Lung Association. While Obama seeks to curb cigarette smoking and advertising in the United States, U.S. cigarette-makers continue to furnish underdeveloped countries with cigarettes. Latin America has a growing consumption of cigarettes with the governments highly involved in production. Although smoking was restricted during the Beijing Olympics, the fact is China is a big consumer of cigarettes and shares with the United States the distinction of being one of the two largest manufacturers of them. The most cigarette-dependent folks are in China, Cambodia, Yemen and Djibouti. Reports state that during the period from 1970 to 1995 cigarette consumption decreased by 10% in developed countries while consumption increased by 67 per cent in underdeveloped countries. Approximately eighty percent of cigarette smokers live in underdeveloped countries as of 2008 statistics. So as America brings new restrictions on cigarette manufacturers in the United States sales continue to increase outside the country. Will restrictions be placed on exports or will this either be delayed or never happen given the fact the first restrictions on tobacco were placed on manufacturers in the mid 60's while cigarettes have been enjoying growth in cigarette exports.