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Tag: cigars

  • Cigars Expected to Miss Upcoming Nicaraguan Tariffs

    Cigars Expected to Miss Upcoming Nicaraguan Tariffs

    The U.S. government’s newly announced 15% tariff on select Nicaraguan imports is not expected to apply to cigars, according to industry sources and trade officials. The tariffs—introduced as part of a U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) investigation into Nicaragua’s human rights violations—will apply only to products not covered by the CAFTA-DR trade agreement, which shields qualifying Nicaraguan cigars that meet “Rules of Origin” requirements.

    Under the schedule, affected goods will face 0% additional tariff in 2026, 10% in 2027, and 15% in 2028, on top of an existing 18% Trump-era tariff that remains tied up in ongoing litigation. Should both apply, some products could face 33% tariffs by 2028, though cigars are widely expected to remain exempt as long as CAFTA-DR protections stand.

  • J.C. Newman Restoring Part of Tampa’s Cigar Heritage

    J.C. Newman Restoring Part of Tampa’s Cigar Heritage

    J.C. Newman Cigar Company announced that the final phase of construction began last week on the historic Sanchez y Haya Hotel in Tampa’s Ybor City. Built in 1910, the building was once a hub for cigar workers, located across the street from J.C. Newman’s famed El Reloj factory, but has fallen into disrepair after decades of neglect.

    Now owned by J.C. Newman, the building has been structurally stabilized, stripped to its bones, cleared of a long-running bat infestation, and prepared for total revival. Backed by $18 million in public and private investment, including major support from Hillsborough County and Tampa’s CRA, it is scheduled to open as a boutique hotel and cigar destination in November 2026.

    J.C. Newman president Drew Newman said the project is a “responsibility and tribute to Tampa’s cigar story.”

    Click here to see coverage of the story on Tampa Bay’s Fox 13.

  • Duran Cigars Announces U.S. Return

    Duran Cigars Announces U.S. Return

    Today (November 12), Duran Cigars announced its return to the U.S. market, opening its new headquarters and distribution center in Little Havana, Miami, a location that is also a retail cigar shop and lounge. The new space “serves as the brand’s American home base, connecting its global operations to the heart of Miami’s cigar culture.”

    Founded in 2013, Roberto Duran Premium Cigars made its debut at the IPCPR Trade Show in Las Vegas, “introducing a portfolio that embodied the best of Cuban heritage and modern craftsmanship.” With a tobacco farm in Ecuador and a factory in Nicaragua, company founder, Roberto Pelayo Duran Sr., decided to focus the company’s efforts on the European and Asian markets. In its U.S. return, the company welcomes Duran’s son, Roberto Duran Jr., to the business, who will serve as a marketing and sales manager.

    “Concentrating on our farm and global markets allowed us to perfect our production and strengthen our foundation,” said Duran Sr. “Now, with my son joining the business, we have the right team and structure in place to reestablish our presence in the United States while continuing to grow internationally.”

  • Arturo Fuente Secures New Cameroon Wrapper Supply Through Universal

    Arturo Fuente Secures New Cameroon Wrapper Supply Through Universal

    Arturo Fuente confirmed a new partnership with Universal Leaf Tobacco Co. as its new Cameroon wrapper supplier following its split from longtime partner M. Meerapfel Söhn, according to Cigar Aficionado. Company leader Carlos Fuente Jr. spoke with the magazine recently at Big Smoke in Las Vegas, and assured consumers the brand will have ample Cameroon wrapper supply for years to come. He said the first shipment arrived at Fuente’s Dominican Republic factory.

    In a video released by the company, Fuente Jr. addressed recent rumors about shortages, emphasizing Fuente’s long-term reserves and commitment to quality.

    “There’s a big concern from rumors that have been spread about us not receiving Cameroon and us not having Cameroon available for your favorite cigars,” he said. “Early this week, we received an entire 40-foot container, [a] refrigerated container of African Cameroon wrapper. My friends, we have African Cameroon wrapper for years to come.”

  • Scandinavian Narrows 2025 Outlook After Steady Q3 Performance

    Scandinavian Narrows 2025 Outlook After Steady Q3 Performance

    For the first nine months of 2025, Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S (STG) reported net sales of DKK 6.7 billion ($1.1 billion), EBITDA margin of 19.9%, and free cash flow before acquisitions of DKK 448 million ($71.2 million), up from DKK 327 million ($52.3 million) a year earlier. STG reported third-quarter 2025 net sales of DKK 2.4 billion ($384 million), with organic growth flat year-on-year and EBITDA before special items at DKK 519 million ($83million), reflecting a 22% margin versus 23.4% last year.

    The company said results were broadly in line with expectations, though exchange rate pressures weighed on reported sales. Growth was recorded in Handmade Cigars and Next Generation Products, offset by declines in Machine-Rolled Cigars and Smoking Tobacco. CEO Niels Frederiksen noted that while market conditions remain challenging, the group saw stabilization in handmade cigars and growth in nicotine pouches. However, market share in machine-rolled cigars was affected by the rollout of STG’s new global SAP system.

    The company narrowed its full-year guidance to reflect better visibility heading into year-end and the effect of USD movements. STG plans to unveil its next five-year strategy on November 20, outlining growth priorities and stakeholder value initiatives.

  • Nicaraguan Cigars Could Face 100% Tariff

    Nicaraguan Cigars Could Face 100% Tariff

    The U.S. is considering imposing new tariffs of up to 100% on imports from Nicaragua or revoking the country’s benefits under a free trade deal, the White House’s Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced yesterday (October 20). According to Reuters, the report cites Nicaragua’s “abuses of labor rights, human rights and fundamental freedoms, and dismantling of rule of law” as creating a burden on U.S. commerce. Nicaragua and its President Daniel Ortega have faced international scrutiny for cracking down on dissidents, local journalists, and non-governmental organizations in recent years. The proposed tariffs stem from a “Section 301” unfair trade practices investigation initiated during the final days of the Biden administration, with President Trump set to make the final decision.

    The proposed tariffs could have a significant impact on the cigar market, as Nicaragua is the largest exporter of handmade cigars to the United States. Currently, these cigars face an 18% tariff, but a 100% tariff would sharply raise costs for U.S. importers and consumers. According to Cigar Aficionado, industry analysts estimate the price increase could range from 50 cents to $1 per cigar, with higher increases in states with additional tobacco taxes. This could affect consumer demand and shift purchasing behavior, potentially slowing sales of Nicaraguan cigars in the U.S.

    Cigar companies have indicated that current supply deals may remain unaffected in the short term, but price increases are likely once tariffs are implemented, according to Halfwheel. The industry is closely monitoring the situation as the public consultation period on the proposed tariffs concludes November 19, after which the final decision is expected.

  • Joya de Nicaragua to Take Over U.S. Distribution from Drew Estate

    Joya de Nicaragua to Take Over U.S. Distribution from Drew Estate

    Joya de Nicaragua will begin handling its own U.S. distribution starting January 1, 2026, ending its 17-year partnership with Drew Estate, the company said in a press release. Since 2008, Drew Estate’s national sales team has sold Joya’s cigars across the country.

    Dr. Alejandro Martínez Cuenca, chairman of Joya de Nicaragua, said the change reflects “taking ownership of the path ahead” while maintaining strong ties with Drew Estate, according to Halfwheel. Jonathan Drew, co-founder of Drew Estate, expressed admiration for Joya and emphasized that the companies’ friendship will continue despite the transition.

  • Casa 1910 AG Raises $3 Million, Drops Prices, Expands Distribution

    Casa 1910 AG Raises $3 Million, Drops Prices, Expands Distribution

    Casa 1910 AG announced key developments in its growth strategy, including the closing of a $3 million funding round, a strategic price decrease across its portfolio, and new global retail and distribution partnerships. The investment, secured on September 1, will support production scaling, inventory expansion, and accelerated product development for both Casa 1910 and Mexigars.

    In line with its growth strategy, Casa 1910 adjusted pricing—a 20-25% decrease across most brands—to support retailers and broaden consumer access, with additional inventory of its popular Mexigars brand available from November 2025. “This decision is about listening to the market and acting with conviction,” said Rob Maneson, who was appointed Chief Commercial Officer in April. “This is not about short-term sacrifice — it is an investment in the strength and resilience of our community.” 

    The company also announced new partnerships with Avolta and Heinemann Group, Premium Brands (Spain), Cigraal (APAC), Cigar Must (Switzerland), Wild Bill’s (USA), and multiple U.S. distributors, strengthening its presence across 22 countries and 17 U.S. states.

  • TPE and PCA Join Forces for TPE26

    TPE and PCA Join Forces for TPE26

    Total Product Expo (TPE) announced a partnership with the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) today (September 2) for TPE26 to “enhance industry advocacy and education.” The collaboration will feature sessions led by PCA Executive Director Joshua Habursky, focusing on regulatory awareness and product knowledge for retailers, manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers.

    “Education is the foundation of effective advocacy,” said Habursky. “By understanding both policy and product, our industry becomes more resilient and united.”

    TPE26 will be held March 31–April 2, 2026, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. PCA26 follows April 17–20, 2026, in New Orleans.

    For more information, visit totalproductexpo.com and pcashow.org.

  • Scandinavian Raises U.S. Cigar Prices, Discontinues 34 SKUs

    Scandinavian Raises U.S. Cigar Prices, Discontinues 34 SKUs

    Yesterday (August 4), Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) announced a price increase on cigars sold in the U.S., effective immediately, marking its annual adjustment for General Cigar Co. and Forged Cigar Co. brands. According to Halfwheel, unlike other recent hikes driven by tariffs, STG clarified that this increase is unrelated to the Trump administration’s tariff policies. However, the existing 5% tariff surcharge will remain, as the tariffs have not been lifted.

    STG also revealed the discontinuation of 34 SKUs, primarily from the Alec Bradley line, which it acquired in 2023.