
Convinced that its earnings fall short of potential, Zimbabwe has set out to capture more value from its tobacco business.
By growing the crop and moving up the value chain, the country aims to build a $5 billion tobacco industry by 2025.
Will it succeed? Read our special report about the challenges and opportunities associated with Zimbabwe’s Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan.

Makary Updates First 100 Days Leading FDA
Makary pointed to the implementation of AI to assist all departments in reviewing products.

Sweden Rejects EU Plan to Fund Budget with Tobacco Tax
Svantesson said the EU proposal would result in a significant tax increase on snus, and that the Commission wants the tax revenue to go to the EU, not Sweden.

PCA Talks “Beautiful Bill’s” Impact on U.S. Cigar Industry
The PCA said the Act introduces important policy shifts that provide both immediate benefits and notable challenges to premium cigar retailers.

TIMB: Zimbabwe Can Produce 17B Cigarettes
Since the government crafted the TVCTP in 2021, the nation’s cigarette manufacturing has increased 10%, but TIMB says it could be significantly higher.

Bulgarian Police Seize $18M in Illegal Cigarettes at Factory Bust
Authorities uncovered approximately 102.7 million cigarettes at a clandestine facility beneath a cow farm near Momkovo.

EU Considers Tobacco Tax as New, Long-Term Revenue Stream
Tax Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra has been pushing for higher tobacco excise taxes, and a leaked draft suggests a potential 139% hike on cigarettes.

BAT Accuses Local Manufacturers of Fueling South African Illicit Cigarette Market
“We have repeatedly shown who the culprits are. If SARS and the police wanted to act, they could. Today.”

Men Jailed Over Failed Plot to Steal $5M in Seized Vapes
Police said this was part of a wider conspiracy involving multiple individuals attempting to retrieve contraband that was seized from the smugglers.

Ohio Law Banning Local Tobacco Regulation Struck Down
The amendment allows municipalities to govern local safety and welfare issues unless they are in direct conflict with general state law.

Dentsu to Operate U.K. Track-and-Trace System
The new system is scheduled to become operational on July 1, 2022.