JT’s domestic volume down in November but up during April-November

Japan Tobacco Inc’s domestic cigarette sales volume during November, at 9.6 billion, was down by 0.8 per cent on its November 2011 volume, 9.7 billion, which itself was increased by 40.0 per cent on that of November 2010, according to preliminary figures issued by the company today.

Volume during the eight months, April-November, at 79.1 billion, was up by 12.8 per cent on its April-November 2011 volume, 70.1 billion, which was down by 27.8 per cent on that of April-November 2010.

JT’s market share for April-November 2012 was 59.5 per cent, against 54.9 per cent for the full year to the end of March.

JT has suffered huge volume swings in recent times because of an unprecedented, mainly tax-driven price hike on October 1, 2010, and the massive disruption caused to the company’s manufacturing and distribution operations following the earthquake and tsunami of March 11 last year.

JT’s domestic cigarette revenue during November, at ¥52.6 billion, was down by 1.2 per cent on its November 2011 revenue, ¥53.2 billion, which was up by 39.9 per cent on that of November 2010.

Revenue during April-November, at ¥435.4 billion, was up by 13.0 per cent on its revenue during April-November 2011, ¥385.4 billion, which was down by 5.9 per cent on that of April-November 2010.