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  • BAT Kenya Says Illicit Cigarettes Costing $92M in Lost Taxes

    BAT Kenya Says Illicit Cigarettes Costing $92M in Lost Taxes

    BAT Kenya warned that illicit cigarettes now account for about 45% of Kenya’s cigarette market, costing the government an estimated Sh12 billion ($92.4 million) annually in lost tax revenue. The company said the illegal trade is undermining legitimate manufacturers and threatening an industry that supports about 80,000 livelihoods across farming, manufacturing, distribution, and retail.

    BAT Kenya Managing Director Sidney Wafula said illicit cigarettes, particularly those entering through porous borders including Uganda, are the company’s biggest challenge. “The continued rise in illicit cigarette trade remains the most significant threat to the sustainability of the legitimate industry and its value chains,” Wafula said, calling for sustained enforcement and stronger border controls.

    The warning came as BAT Kenya reported half-year revenue growth of 5% to Sh12.3 billion ($94.7 million), supported by export recovery and growth in nicotine pouches. The company said it expects continued growth in modern oral nicotine products while urging predictable tax policies and stronger action against illicit tobacco trade.

  • Indonesia Adds Tax Layer to Bring Illegal Cigarettes into the Fold

    Indonesia Adds Tax Layer to Bring Illegal Cigarettes into the Fold

    Indonesia’s government confirmed it will not raise tobacco excise rates in 2026, opting instead to restructure the cigarette excise system by adding new tax tiers. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said the move is intended to bring machine-rolled clove cigarettes (SKM) that have effectively operated outside the current tax structure into the excise system. The government expects the changes to be implemented this year, arguing that revising the tax structure is more appropriate than raising excise rates amid weakening consumer purchasing power and a shift toward lower-priced cigarettes.

  • Thai Tobacco Trade Backs Single-Rate Reform

    Thai Tobacco Trade Backs Single-Rate Reform

    The Thai Tobacco Trade Association (TTTA) endorsed government plans to replace Thailand’s two-tier cigarette excise system with a single-rate tax, arguing the current structure has distorted the market, squeezed retailer margins, and encouraged consumers to switch to cheaper products and illicit cigarettes. The association said a balanced flat-rate tax, combined with stronger enforcement against illegal tobacco, would help stabilize government revenue, improve market competition, and support the country’s tobacco supply chain, while the Excise Department continues its review of the proposed reforms.

  • Filipino Leaders Press for Smoke-Free Bill

    Filipino Leaders Press for Smoke-Free Bill

    A coalition of Philippine local government leaders is urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to certify House Bill 9603, the Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Environment Bill, as urgent legislation. The proposed measure would establish a nationwide ban on smoking and vaping in indoor public spaces and workplaces, building on smoke-free ordinances already adopted by several cities and provinces.

    Supporters say the bill would strengthen enforcement, expand smoke-free zones, fund cessation programs, and create incentives for local governments that effectively implement tobacco and vaping control measures.

  • Nicokick Partners With Zone for PBR Event

    Nicokick Partners With Zone for PBR Event

    Nicokick.com announced its partnership with ITG Brands’ zone premium nicotine pouches for PBR Teams Wildcatter Days in Oklahoma City from July 31 to August 2. Under the partnership, Nicokick will be the exclusive online retailer for zone’s Spicy nicotine pouch lineup, including Jalapeño Lime, Spicy Strawberry, Spicy Mango, and the new Spicy Mix-Pack.

    Nicokick said zone sales on its platform increased 158% in 2025, making it one of its largest brands. The Spicy lineup will be available in 6 mg and 9 mg nicotine strengths, with Spicy Strawberry exclusive to Nicokick through October 2026 and Spicy Mango available online exclusively through the retailer for at least six months.

  • Don Abram Harris Cigars Files $8B Lawsuit Against PM USA

    Don Abram Harris Cigars Files $8B Lawsuit Against PM USA

    Don Abram Harris Cigars filed an $8 billion lawsuit against Philip Morris USA, an Altria subsidiary, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland over its use of the “Marlboro Man” trademark for a premium cigar. Founder Abram Harris alleges Philip Morris improperly interfered with the company’s trademark application and business operations, claiming the dispute led to the loss of a proposed $50 million investment. Philip Morris has argued the mark could be confused with its Marlboro cigarette trademarks, while Harris is seeking damages, a jury trial, and a court declaration supporting his trademark application.

  • Dutch Seize 1.2M Counterfeit Cigarettes at German Border  

    Dutch Seize 1.2M Counterfeit Cigarettes at German Border  

    Dutch authorities seized 1.2 million counterfeit cigarettes from a van near the German border during a joint Dutch-German police operation on the A7 near Bad Nieuweschans, arresting one suspect and transferring the case to customs for investigation. The seizure brings total illicit cigarette seizures in the Netherlands to 106 million so far this year, as authorities step up enforcement against tobacco smuggling amid high cigarette prices that have fueled demand for black market and cross-border tobacco purchases.

  • Indonesian Tobacco Groups Oppose New Controls

    Indonesian Tobacco Groups Oppose New Controls

    Indonesian tobacco industry groups are urging President Prabowo Subianto to delay implementing regulations under Government Regulation No. 28/2024, warning that proposed measures such as plain packaging, limits on tar and nicotine, and restrictions on additives could lead to job losses, lower sales, and increased illicit trade. The Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) said it supports measures including a ban on underage tobacco sales, raising the minimum purchase age to 21, and requiring health warnings to cover 50% of packaging, but argued that standardized packaging for cigarettes and e-cigarettes would undermine legitimate businesses and reduce government excise revenue.

  • ALP Accelerating UK, European Expansion

    ALP Accelerating UK, European Expansion

    ALP Pouches announced its expansion into the UK and European markets as part of its international growth strategy. Founded in late 2024 as a direct-to-consumer brand, ALP said it became the top DTC nicotine pouch brand in the U.S. before entering retail, reaching nearly 1% of U.S. convenience store nicotine pouch sales within 90 days of its retail rollout, according to Nielsen data. The company is launching across 11 European markets in July, with a goal of becoming one of Europe’s leading nicotine pouch brands by 2030. ALP said it will support the expansion through retail partnerships and marketing initiatives, including a global partnership with UFC fighter Conor McGregor.

  • Pyxus to Announce Q1 2027 Financials Aug. 5

    Pyxus to Announce Q1 2027 Financials Aug. 5

    Pyxus International will report its first-quarter fiscal 2027 financial results on Aug. 5 before U.S. markets open, followed by an earnings conference call and webcast at 9 a.m. EDT. The global agricultural company said it will release its results for the quarter ended June 30, along with a presentation on its investor relations website prior to the call, where management will discuss the company’s quarterly performance and outlook.