This study addresses the question: has the opening of their markets to American tobacco products in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan led to an increase in smoking behavior among women and youth? The data on smoking rates for women and youth is presented. This data was obtained for each country before markets were opened to the importation of American tobacco products through the agency of non-governmental organizations in these countries. Comparison data was obtained from similar Asian countries whose markets were not opened. The data from Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan show a sizeable increase in smoking rates for women and youth. The authors believe, based upon anecdotal data, that importation of tobacco products combined with aggressive marketing and advertising by American firms is, in a good measure, responsible for the reported increase.
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