From Nov. 20 to Nov. 25, delegates representing the countries that have signed to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) will gather in Panama City to discuss tobacco and nicotine policies at the 10th Conference of the Parties (COP10). It’s an event that warrants close scrutiny because the decisions taken at COP tend to have profound implications on the nicotine business and its customers, impacting the future of manufacturers, suppliers and tobacco growers along with stakeholders such as smokers and vapers.
In this section, Tobacco Reporter features a selection of its COP10 coverage.
JTI Invests $33.6M to Upgrade Factory in Philippines
The Batangas factory is the first JTI manufacturing site in Southeast Asia to use DIET technology.
Germany to Discuss Annual Tobacco Tax Increases
The proposal would increase the weighted average retail price of a 20-cigarette pack from about €8.05 currently to €8.77 in 2027 and €11.36 by 2030.
ITGA Elects New President at Annual Meeting
The meeting marked a leadership transition, with Marcílio Drescher, president of Afubra in Brazil, succeeding José Javier Aranda as ITGA president.
Juul Buyers Defend Antitrust Classes
The plaintiffs allege that an agreement between Altria and Juul restrained competition in the closed-system e-vapor market and resulted in higher prices.
VTA Launches Ad Campaign on Vaping Regs
VTA said the campaign cites a poll showing 71% support for replacing the current PMTA rules with scientific guidelines.
PMI Expands Global Services Hub in Philippines
Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation reaffirmed PMI’s commitment to the Philippines and its role in the company’s broader transformation and growth.
China’s STMA Gets New Deputy Director
Zhang Xiaotang was named deputy director of the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration.
VA, DoD Update Cessation Recommendations
The guideline is based on literature through 2024, mentioning but not endorsing e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches as cessation treatments.
Pseudonicotine Up, Synthetic Nicotine Down in Korea
From April through August 2026, 12,126 kg of pseudonicotine was imported, compared with 364 kg in 2025.
Taiwan to Raise Penalties for Bringing in E-cigarettes
In the first eight months of 2026, authorities recorded 726 cases involving 35,000 devices and 40,000 bottles or cartridges of e-liquid.
PMI Publishes First TNFD Report
The report examines how natural capital and ecosystem services affect areas including agricultural production, manufacturing, and access to raw materials.
Surveys Show Strong Support for Tobacco Controls in Türkiye
In the digital survey, 91.4% supported new regulations aimed at protecting young people from tobacco and nicotine addiction.
Germany Busts Ring that Imported 7.6M Illegal Vapes
Authorities executed 13 arrest warrants and seized more than 100 pallets containing about 600,000 illegal vapes, with estimated tax losses of €4 million.
Turning Point Appoints Glazek as New CEO
David E. Glazek, who currently serves as Executive Chairman, will succeed Graham Purdy, who is stepping down as CEO for personal reasons.
PMI Increases Dividend 8.8% to Annualized Rate of $6.40 per Share
The latest increase brings the company’s cumulative dividend increase since its IPO to 248%, representing a compound annual growth rate of 7.2%.
