News
PMSA to Invest Over US$43.5 Million by 2020
Philip Morris South Africa’s (PMSA) local investments are expected to exceed SAR650 million (US$43.5 million) by 2020, as it expands its IQOS market nationally. Read more
All Tobacco Advertising Banned
Pakistan’s Ministry of National Health Services in February imposed a nationwide ban on all kinds of advertising of tobacco or tobacco products. Read more
BAT Recognized for Efforts Against Climate Change
British American Tobacco has been commended for its climate action this year, achieving a place on global environmental impact non-profit organization CDP’s prestigious ‘A List’ for climate change. Read more
Illegal Tobacco Seizures Down by 75%
New figures show that illegal tobacco seizures in 2019 decreased by more than 75% as smugglers copied sophisticated techniques from the drug trade in an effort to avoid detection. Read more
PMI Restructuring to Hit 265 Jobs
Philip Morris International has confirmed restructuring plans at operational centers in Lausanne and Neuchâtel in French-speaking western Switzerland. Read more
PMI Profits and Sales Exceed Estimates
Philip Morris International reported Q4/2019 profits and sales higher than estimates. Read more
New NDC President
NDC Technologies, a leading global provider of productivity enhancing measurement and control solutions, today announced that Marti Nyman has joined the company as president and strategic growth leader. Read more
State Officials Unable to Enforce New Tobacco 21 Law
A new federal law raising the legal age to purchase tobacco and vaping products to 21 has run into a bit of a snafu as Wisconsin state law enforcement officers are unable to enforce it as it conflicts with state laws. Read more
ITC May Need Cig Price Hike
Analysts say ITC may need a 10-15% cigarette price hike as volume growth takes a hit following India’s proposed higher levies on cigarettes and other tobacco products. Read more
Single-Use Filters in Lawmakers’ Crosshairs
Single-use filters in cigarettes are the latest to be targeted by New York lawmakers who are pushing to ban them with the Tobacco Product Waste Reduction Act, claiming that they cause harm to personal health and the environment. Read more
Tobacco Institute Concerned about NCCD Hike
The Tobacco Institute of India has raised concerns on the increase in National Calamity Contingent Duty on cigarettes, saying India may become a preferred destination for “smuggled cigarettes” as the tax hike will incentivize illegal cigarette trade. Read more
Researchers Say Lungs Can Heal from Smoking
A new UK-based study says new lung cells can replace damaged cells after people stop smoking. Read more
Altria-PMI Merger Still Possible
In an interview with Bloomberg News, Phillip Morris International (PMI) c.o.o. Jack Olczak indicated that an Altria-PMI merger was still a possibility, saying, “the chapter is closed but not the book.” Read more
JTI Names New GM
Evgeny Nikolsky has been named Japan Tobacco International’s new general manager for Romania, Moldova, and Bulgaria. Read more
PMI-KT&G Partnership
Philip Morris International Inc. has announced its partnership with KT&G Corporation and its plans to distribute KT&G’s Lil vape products outside South Korea. Read more
Saudi Arabia bans shisha, tobacco to prevent spread of coronavirus
Saudi Arabia reportedly bans cafes and restaurants in the Kingdom from serving shisha and tobacco as a precaution against the spread of coronavirus. Read more
Exhibition Cancellations/Postponements Due to COVID-19 Concerns
See a current update on event postponements and cancellations resulting from the worldwide pandemic. Read more
Philippines/Thailand Tobacco Tax Dispute Gets Re-heated
Trade tension between Thailand and the Philippines is starting to boil over as the Philippines seeks to have the World Trade Organization allow its retaliation against Thailand over a decade-long tobacco customs dispute. Read more
20-Pack of Fags Averaging £12.58 in UK
With the latest Budget 2020, the United Kingdom chancellor recently announced a 2% increase in cigarette tax above the 1.8% inflation rate. Read more