Step 1: Import values from bar graph
2018: 30, 2019: 45, 2020: 40, 2021: 35, 2022: 50, 2023: 45, 2024: 48.
Step 2: Calculate year-on-year decreases
- 2020 vs 2019: decrease \( =45-40=5 \). Percentage decrease \( =\tfrac{5}{45}\times100 \approx 11.1\% \).
- 2021 vs 2020: decrease \( =40-35=5 \). Percentage decrease \( =\tfrac{5}{40}\times100=12.5\% \).
- 2023 vs 2022: decrease \( =50-45=5 \). Percentage decrease \( =\tfrac{5}{50}\times100=10\% \).
- 2024 vs 2023: increase, not a decrease.
Step 3: Conclusion
Of the actual decreases, the smallest percentage decrease is \(10\%\) in 2023. Since 2024 shows an increase (no decrease), its effective decrease is the lowest (zero).
\[
\boxed{2024}
\]