JT’s domestic cigarette market share over 60 per cent in December

Japan Tobacco Inc’s domestic cigarette sales volume during December, at 10.3 billion, was down by 4.5 per cent on its December 2011 volume, 10.8 billion, which itself was increased by 10.4 per cent on that of December 2010, according to preliminary figures issued by the company today.

Volume during the nine months, April-December, at 89.4 billion, was up by 10.5 per cent on its April-December 2011 volume, 80.9 billion, which was down by 24.3 per cent on that of April-December 2010.

JT’s market share stood at 60.1 per cent in December, at 59.6 per cent during April-December 2012, and at 54.9 for the full year to the end of March 2012.

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 2011.

JT’s domestic cigarette revenue during December, at ¥56.6 billion, was down by 4.6 per cent on its December 2011 revenue, ¥59.3 billion, which was up by 9.8 per cent on that of December 2010.

Revenue during April-December, at ¥492.0 billion, was up by 10.6 per cent on its revenue during April-December 2011, ¥444.7 billion, which was down by 4.0 per cent on that of April-December 2010.