China: Tobacco Industry Still Rakes in Major Profit Despite Anti-smoking Laws

People around the world are smoking about as many cigarettes as ever nearly 6 trillion per year.
 

It's an incredible number, translating into big business – and profit – for tobacco makers.
But as new cigarette laws go into effect, are they having any impact?
Research shows low- to middle-income countries smoking more, while high-income countries are smoking less.
The trend is linked to tougher smoking restrictions and anti-smoking campaigns. Now, developing countries are implementing their own restrictions.
Nearly a decade ago, Chile banned smoking in public places and recently moved to tone down packaging and ban popular menthol-flavored cigarettes.
Tobacco farms there are small and mostly family-run. Farmers are concerned a tobacco crackdown would hurt them.
 

China wants to cut smoking rates, too. Each year, it smokes nearly half of the world's cigarettes.
 

That's double the number of the next four countries combined.
 

That's true despite capital Beijing's efforts to set an example – with a tough anti-smoking law, enacted a year and a half ago.
 

It outlaws smoking in public places like offices, restaurants, hotels and hospitals.
 

Those who violate the ban are fined. A similar nationwide ban is in the works.
 

For now, volunteers in Beijing, wearing blue vests, are out to educate the public