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In response, Camilleri said: "We take our responsibility very seriously, and I don't think we get enough recognition for the efforts we make to ensure that there is effective worldwide regulation of a product that is harmful and that is addictive. Nevertheless, whilst it is addictive, it is not that hard to quit. ... There are more previous smokers in America today than current smokers." Camilleri, a longtime smoker, was quoted in an April 2009 BusinessWeek article as saying he had quit only once, for three months when he had a cold. In recent years, tax hikes, smoking bans, health concerns and social stigma worldwide have made the cigarette business tougher. The fact that the impact on cigarette demand generally has been less stark outside the U.S. has benefited Philip Morris International. Still the company faces challenges that are as wide-ranging as its reach. The company has said regulations, including bans on product displays, ingredients and colorful packaging, have impeded competition and add costs for retailers. Varying degrees of tax hikes and economic challenges also have encouraged adult smokers to make choices purely on price and have fostered black markets. Philip Morris International has compensated for volume declines -- particularly in developed markets like the European Union, Latin America and Canada
-- by raising prices, cutting costs and focusing on emerging markets in Asia, as well as the Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
[Associated
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