Philip Morris Egypt announced updated prices for its cigarette and heated tobacco products effective today (Feb. 2), saying some products increased compared with July 2025 prices, while others remained unchanged. Merit is now priced at EGP 111 ($2.33) per pack, Marlboro at EGP 102 ($2.14), L&M and TEREA at EGP 82 ($1.72), and HEETS holding at EGP 69 ($1.45). Philip Morris Egypt said the prices can be verified through QR codes on packaging and urged retailers to comply with the official list, marking the company’s first price adjustment of 2026.
Tag: Egypt
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Egypt’s Smoking Rate Drops 3.5% Since 2020
Egypt’s smoking rate dropped to 14.2% in 2024, down from 17.7% in 2020, according to the Cabinet’s Media Centre, which credited the decline on tougher anti-smoking laws, public awareness campaigns, and expanded cessation services. The government strengthened enforcement of public smoking bans, prohibited sales to minors, and launched national quit-smoking hotlines and clinics.
Despite progress, the government said it still wants to do more, as smoking still costs Egypt over $5 billion annually, with rising cigarette prices—now EGP 44–105 ($0.9–$2) per pack—reflecting ongoing tax hikes and inflation.
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Egypt Leads Global Shisha Tobacco Exports in 2024
Egypt remained the world’s top exporter of shisha tobacco (maassel) in 2024, accounting for 32% of global exports with 27,000 tons valued at $127.4 million, the Food Export Council reported. Driven by steady demand and competitive pricing, Egypt’s maassel exports grew 15% in value year-on-year from 2023. Top buyers included Iraq ($32 million), Libya ($24 million), Syria ($14 million), Saudi Arabia ($13 million), and Kuwait ($7 million) — together making up 70% of total exports.
The Council attributed Egypt’s strong performance to low production costs, skilled labor, and diverse flavor offerings.
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Eastern Company Sets New Unified Price for Local Cigarettes
Egypt’s Eastern Company announced a new unified retail price of LE 44 ($0.88) for all its local cigarette brands, effective Friday, July 18, 2025. The move, approved during the company’s Board of Directors meeting on July 17, supports implementation of the Value Added Tax Law and the national health insurance system while aiming to stabilize the market and maintain fair pricing.
Brands affected include Cleopatra King Size, Cleopatra Box, Mondial (all varieties), and Boston/Lemont. Merchant profit margins will range between LE 0.05 ($0.001) and LE 0.25 ($0.005) per pack. The company urged consumers to report any price violations to authorities to ensure compliance.
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PMI Raises Prices in Egypt After VAT Change
Days after Egypt amended its tobacco VAT law, Philip Morris Egypt released a new price list for its cigarettes and heated tobacco products. Yesterday (July 1), Egypt’s largest tobacco producer, Eastern Company, of which PMI owns a 14.7% indirect stake, made a similar announcement.
PM Egypt’s managing director Ali Nafzat Kerman reaffirmed the company’s commitment to meeting adult smokers’ needs while advancing toward a smoke-free future. Philip Morris urged retailers to adhere to the new pricing. The new tax laws cap the lowest-tier cigarettes at EGP 48 ($0.96) and the mid-tier at EGP 69 ($1.38), with VAT taxes increasing 12% in each of the next three years.
The new official prices for PMI in Egypt are EGP 69 for HEETS, EGP 76 ($1.52) for L&M and TEREA, EGP 79 ($1.58) for Marlboro Crafted, EGP 80 ($1.60) for TEREA Capsules, EGP 97 ($1.94) for Marlboro, and EGP 105 ($2.10) for Merit.
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Eastern Company Caps Cig Prices After Egypt Ups Taxes
Eastern Company announced that beginning today (July 1), prices for the Egyptian cigarette maker will be capped at EGP 45 ($0.90) per pack following recent tax bracket changes. Company CEO Hany Aman said the company had reached the upper limit of the previous tax bracket, and maintaining those prices was causing losses as rising raw material and transportation costs significantly increased production expenses.
The new tax laws cap the lowest-tier cigarettes at EGP 48 ($0.96) and the mid-tier at EGP 69 ($1.38). Previously, the lowest tier retailed for EGP 38 ($0.76) per pack, with 60-65% of the price collected being tax. This past weekend, the government amended the Value Added Tax (VAT) on cigarettes, which will increase the minimum and maximum retail prices by 12% annually for three years starting in November.
Sales were paused on Sunday and Monday to adjust pricing, with the new rates taking effect on Tuesday. Aman said the company is still assessing the full impact of the updated tax regulations and may provide further updates soon.
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Egypt Increases Cigarette Price Thresholds
The Egyptian House of Representatives approved a government-backed amendment to the Value Added Tax Law, aimed at bolstering state revenues and advancing tax and social equity. A key provision of the amendment involves a structured increase of 12% annually to the minimum and maximum retail price thresholds for cigarettes, beginning November 5, 2025, and running through 2028.
New cigarette price thresholds for 2025 for local cigarettes priced below EGP 38.88 ($0.78) will increase to EGP 48 ($0.96); cigarettes priced between EGP 38.88 and EGP 56.44 ($1.13) will increase to EGP 48 to EGP 69 ($1.38); and imported brands priced up to EGP 56.44 will increase to EGP 69.
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PMI Launches IQOS ILUMA i in Egypt
Philip Morris Misr launched the IQOS ILUMA i in Egypt, the “latest and most advanced smoke-free device in its portfolio,” according to the company. The device features the Smartcore Induction System, which heats tobacco without combustion, delivering a cleaner, residue-free experience. It includes smart features like a touchscreen, pause mode, FlexPuff, and improved battery technology.
“We leverage science, world-leading brands, and commercial capabilities to provide better alternatives to our consumers,” said Ali Nevzat Karaman, managing director of Philip Morris Egypt and Levant. “Following the introduction of IQOS ILUMA in Egypt in 2023, we are now taking the IQOS experience to new heights. IQOS ILUMA i is our most innovative device to date—our flagship product in the portfolio of scientifically substantiated, heat-not-burn smoke-free systems.”
The IQOS ILUMA i is compatible with existing TEREA sticks, avoiding the need for format changes. This launch supports Philip Morris International’s vision of a smoke-free future, backed by over $14 billion in R&D and a goal to eliminate cigarettes. Smoke-free products now make up 42% of PMI’s net revenues, with 38.6 million adult users worldwide as of December 2024.
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PMI Considers Expansion in Egypt
Philip Morris International (PMI) has enjoyed success in Egypt with its IQOS heated tobacco product and is looking to expand to other smoke-free products in the market, said Tommaso Di Giovanni, vice president for International Communication and Engagement at PMI. With an estimated 15 million adult smokers in the country, IQOS has already made significant progress in providing a reduced-risk alternative to traditional cigarettes.
“We were—and we are—selling a product that causes diseases and is addictive: cigarettes,” Di Giovanni said. “Anyone who sells a product that causes disease and is addictive would like to do better,” stressing PMI’s dual responsibility to society and to the company itself.
He further emphasized that improving the health of adult smokers is not only a moral obligation but also a sound business strategy. “It’s a win-win for our company and for public health,” he explained, adding that addressing societal concerns can help PMI stay ahead of the competition while positively impacting global health.
“For us, the first goal of sustainability is to address the public health issues posed by cigarettes. The ultimate goal is to offer a portfolio of products that meets the diverse needs of the market while supporting sustainability goals.”
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Eastern Sells Factory to PMI
Image: Stephen Finn Eastern Co. will sell the land, buildings and currently rented equipment of its Factory No. 9 to United Tobacco Co. (UTC), a subsidiary of Philip Morris International, for EGP1.58 billion ($32.66 million), reports Ahram Online.
According to an Eastern Co. statement to the Egyptian Exchange, the sales price was the average of three valuations offered by valuation companies.
As part of the deal, UTC will waive its right to recollect the remaining annual rent value of the factory that was paid in full according to the rent contract that ends on April 26, 2026.
Egypt is in the process of privatizing many state-owned companies. The government hopes to earn $5 billion from this program.
In November 2023, Egypt’s Ministry of Public Enterprise sold a 30 percent stake in Eastern Co. to the United Arab Emirates’ Global Investment Holding Co. for EGP19.34 billion.
In May 2024, PMI acquired an indirect 14.7 percent stake in Eastern Co.