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Category: News This Week

  • FDA Renews Modified Status for IQOS Products

    FDA Renews Modified Status for IQOS Products

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has renewed modified risk tobacco product (MRTP) orders for several Philip Morris International IQOS devices and HeatSticks consumables, allowing the company to continue marketing the products with reduced-exposure claims. The authorization covers two IQOS device systems and three HeatStick variants, with the FDA reaffirming that available scientific evidence supports claims that switching completely from cigarettes to IQOS can significantly reduce exposure to harmful chemicals.

    The products receiving modified risk granted orders are IQOS 2.4 system, IQOS 3.0 system, Marlboro Amber HeatSticks (previously Marlboro HeatSticks), Marlboro Green Menthol HeatSticks (previously Marlboro Smooth Menthol HeatSticks), and Marlboro Blue Menthol HeatSticks (previously Marlboro Fresh Menthol HeatSticks).

    The agency said its latest review found new data consistent with earlier findings from initial approvals granted between 2019 and 2022. Under the renewed orders, Philip Morris can state that the IQOS system heats rather than burns tobacco, resulting in lower production of harmful substances. However, the FDA emphasized that the designation does not mean the products are safe or approved, and it restricts the company from making broader health or risk-reduction claims beyond those explicitly authorized.

    The renewed MRTP status is subject to ongoing regulatory oversight, including requirements for postmarket surveillance to monitor consumer behavior and public health impact. The FDA retains the authority to withdraw the authorization if the products no longer demonstrate a net benefit to population health.

  • Fire at AOI Facility Extinguished by Sprinklers

    Fire at AOI Facility Extinguished by Sprinklers

    A fire occurred early this morning (April 17) at an Alliance One tobacco processing facility in Wilson, North Carolina. No employees were present at the time of the fire, and minimal damage occurred. The fire, which originated in a customer area, was extinguished by the building’s sprinkler system before firefighters arrived, limiting damage to a small room in the facility. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

    The Wilson Times originally said the fire caused an estimated $100,000 in damage, however, representatives from AOI said thanks to the sprinkler system, the damage was significantly less than reported.

  • 13 State AGs Urge Credit Cards to Block Illicit Vape Sales

    13 State AGs Urge Credit Cards to Block Illicit Vape Sales

    A coalition of 13 U.S. attorneys general has called on major credit card companies to stop facilitating sales of illegal vaping products through their payment networks. The group warned that unauthorized e-cigarettes, largely manufactured in China, now account for more than 80% of the U.S. vape market, generating over $11 billion in annual sales despite violating federal and state laws.

    The officials are asking Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover to identify and remove merchants selling illicit products and to increase transparency on enforcement actions. The move draws on past cooperation between regulators and payment processors to curb illegal online cigarette sales, as states look to disrupt distribution channels for unauthorized vaping products.

  • KT&G to Cancel $1.3B Treasury Shares

    KT&G to Cancel $1.3B Treasury Shares

    KT&G announced it will cancel all 10.9 million treasury shares it holds, valued at approximately 1.85 trillion won ($1.3 billion), with the burn scheduled for April 23. The decision, approved by the board, follows recent changes to Korea’s commercial law and is aimed at enhancing shareholder value.

    The move aligns with the company’s broader capital return strategy, which also includes raising its annual dividend to 6,000 won ($4.08) per share.

  • Malawi Tobacco Has Record Earnings Despite Falling Prices

    Malawi Tobacco Has Record Earnings Despite Falling Prices

    Malawi’s tobacco sector generated a record $540 million in 2025, driven by a sharp 66% increase in export volumes to 221,000 tons, according to Telephorus Chigwenembe, spokesperson for the Tobacco Commission. The volume offset a decline in average prices to $2.45 per kilogram from $2.98 a year earlier, as tobacco remains a key contributor to the economy, accounting for roughly half of foreign exchange earnings.

    Looking ahead, the 2026 season is expected to face pressure, with production forecast at 197,000 tons against demand of about 170,000 tons. The supply-demand imbalance is likely to weigh further on prices, raising concerns over revenue stability in a sector critical to Malawi’s economic outlook.

  • Vanuatu Eyes Single Cigarette Sales

    Vanuatu Eyes Single Cigarette Sales

    Vanuatu health authorities intensified enforcement of the ban on single cigarette sales, imposing fines of up to VT700,000 ($5,740) for individuals and VT4 million ($32,800) for businesses found in violation. Compliance officers are targeting retailers selling “single sticks,” incorporating tobacco control into routine inspections and acting through confiscations and destruction of illicit products.

    Officials say the crackdown aims to curb youth access, as single-cigarette sales make tobacco more affordable and accessible to minors despite rising pack prices. Authorities are also reinforcing regulations requiring full-pack sales and age verification, alongside public awareness efforts including warning signage at retail points.

  • Illicit Cigarettes Dominate South Africa’s Tobacco Market

    Illicit Cigarettes Dominate South Africa’s Tobacco Market

    Illicit cigarettes account for around 60% of South Africa’s market, according to new research from the University of Cape Town, highlighting a sharp rise from about 30% prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found the surge represents a structural shift in the industry, with major players losing share while local producers linked to low-priced products have expanded significantly, selling cigarettes at levels suggesting taxes are not being paid.

    The findings also show illicit products are concentrated in informal retail channels and are disproportionately consumed by lower-income, heavy smokers, driven by cheaper pricing. Researchers say the scale of the illicit trade is undermining tax revenues and reshaping market dynamics, with calls for stronger supply chain controls and enforcement measures to address the issue.

  • NACS Urges Action Against Illicit Chinese Vapes

    NACS Urges Action Against Illicit Chinese Vapes

    The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) called on U.S. trade officials to address the surge of illicit e-cigarettes entering the country from China, warning that unauthorized products now account for an estimated 80% of the ENDS market. In a submission to the U.S. Trade Representative, NACS said these imports, which often lack FDA authorization, pose health risks, particularly to youth, while undermining compliant retailers and legitimate supply chains.

    NACS is urging a coordinated government response, including enforceable commitments from China to restrict exports that violate U.S. regulations, improve product classification and oversight, and strengthen enforcement mechanisms. The group said curbing illicit flows is critical to protecting public health, ensuring fair competition, and safeguarding the economic viability of regulated businesses.

  • Zimbabwe Tobacco Sales Surging After Slow Start

    Zimbabwe Tobacco Sales Surging After Slow Start

    Tobacco sales in Zimbabwe surpassed $310 million as marketing season deliveries accelerate following a rocky start. Volumes rose sharply to nearly 115 million kilograms compared to 67.6 million kgs a year earlier, despite light buying during the first two weeks of the season as buyers were slow to secure financing. The increase reflects stronger farmer participation and higher output, with most sales occurring through contract arrangements rather than auction floors.

    Despite the surge in volumes, average prices have declined to $2.70 per kg from $3.47 last year, indicating softer market conditions. Higher rejection rates also point to ongoing quality issues, though overall earnings have increased due to the significant rise in production and deliveries.

  • FDA Releases Wave 8 PATH Study Data

    FDA Releases Wave 8 PATH Study Data

    New Wave 8 Restricted-Use Files from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study are now available from FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products and NIH’s National Institute on Drug Abuse. The PATH Study is a household-based, nationally representative, longitudinal study of adults and youth (12-17 years old) in the United States. The study was launched in 2011 to inform FDA’s regulatory activities under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.

    These Wave 8 files contain data collected between January 2024 and December 2024, including questionnaire data, location characteristics data, and state identifier data. The PATH Study Restricted-Use Files have been updated to include tobacco product Universal Product Code data and Ever/Never reference data for all participants with updated Master Linkage Files. Researchers are encouraged to submit a request to obtain access.

    In addition to these newly released data files, researchers may also request access to all currently available Biomarker Restricted-Use Files. Data and documentation from the Public-Use Files are also available for download with updated Master Linkage Files.

    Questions about the collection, content, weighting, documentation, or structure of PATH Study data may be submitted to PATHDataUserQuestions@Westat.com.