Hong Kong’s smoking rate has dropped to a record low, continuing a steady decline from 23.3% in the early 1980s to 8.5% in 2025, according to the latest survey results announced today by the Department of Health.
The department announced the milestone alongside the launch of the “Quit in June” campaign. To encourage and assist smokers in kicking the habit, the department will deploy artificial intelligence (AI) to provide personalised smoking cessation counselling services, among other supportive measures.
The figures were highlighted in the latest Thematic Household Survey Report published today by the Census & Statistics Department.
According to the survey on smoking habits, conducted from July to October last year, around 540,000 Hong Kong citizens smoked conventional cigarettes daily at the time of the survey. This accounted for 8.5% of all residents aged 15 and above, down from the 9.1% recorded in 2023.
Regarding alternative smoking products, the proportion of people aged 15 and above who used e-cigarettes daily in 2025 was 0.1%, down from 0.2% in 2023. Meanwhile, the proportion of daily users of heated tobacco products dropped from 0.1% in 2023 to a level beyond accurate estimation.
The department’s Tobacco & Alcohol Control Office Head Dr Manny Lam said the decline of Hong Kong’s smoking rate to a record low is the result of years of concerted efforts by the public and various sectors of the community, making Hong Kong an international role model for successful tobacco control.
Dr Lam highlighted that the Government aims to reduce the appeal of smoking products, including alternative smoking products and various flavoured cigarettes, to prevent the next generation from becoming addicted to tobacco.
“The latest survey results also show that smoking rates among younger age groups remain at very low levels, reflecting that the younger generation no longer accepts smoking behaviour, which is highly aligned with the Government’s goals and societal expectations,” he added.
During this year’s “Quit in June” campaign, the department will distribute free one-week smoking cessation drug trial packs at over 300 community pharmacies, smoking cessation clinics, District Health Centres (DHCs)/DHC Expresses, and the department clinics.
To help manage withdrawal symptoms, designated Chinese medicine clinics will distribute free ear point patches, while a new AI-assisted service, “Chat to Quit”, developed with the University of Hong Kong’s School of Nursing, provides personalised, interactive counselling. It can also provide emotional support and help users practise skills to refuse cigarettes.
Smokers who wish to quit can scan the QR code to access the service for free. For users requiring human counselling, smoking cessation medication support or Chinese Medicine acupuncture smoking cessation services, “Chat to Quit” will also make referrals accordingly.
