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Tag: Philip Morris

  • PMI Warns Middle East Conflict Will Spur Illicit Trade in Asia

    PMI Warns Middle East Conflict Will Spur Illicit Trade in Asia

    Philip Morris International warned that the continuing conflict in the Middle East could disrupt supply chains and drive a surge in illicit cigarette trade across Southeast Asia. The company said past disruptions, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, led to sharp increases in illegal market share, with illicit trade in the Philippines rising from 6% to 17%. PMI estimates governments in the ASEAN region are already losing around $4 billion annually in cigarette excise revenue, with an additional $2 billion lost from illegal vaping products.

    PMI called for stronger regional coordination to address the issue, including real-time sharing of customs data among ASEAN countries to better track illicit flows. The company said supply constraints and regulatory gaps create opportunities for illegal operators, and urged policymakers to adopt more unified enforcement strategies as the Philippines chairs ASEAN this year.

  • PMI Calls for Lower Cigarette Taxes in Meeting With Australian Govt

    PMI Calls for Lower Cigarette Taxes in Meeting With Australian Govt

    Philip Morris used a closed-door Australian Senate hearing on illicit tobacco to argue that high excise taxes are driving consumers toward the black market and called for lower cigarette prices to restore legal sales. According to a released transcript, company representatives said taxes account for at least A$34 of a A$37.95 pack ($24.48 of $27.32), while illicit cigarettes can sell for as little as A$12 ($8.64), contributing to an illicit market estimated at 50–60% of total sales, or A$4–A$7 billion ($2.8–$5 billion).

    The company told lawmakers that narrowing the price gap between legal and illegal products could help shift consumers back into regulated channels, citing price, access, and enforcement as key drivers of illicit trade. The hearing, which was initially held in private, drew criticism from public health advocates who said it “ran counter to an international treaty Australia signed up to in the mid-2000s,” while government officials defended the decision to include industry input in the inquiry.

  • PMI Talks Illicit Trade, Tobacco Reforms in Pakistan

    PMI Talks Illicit Trade, Tobacco Reforms in Pakistan

    Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan met with a delegation from Philip Morris International to discuss challenges in the country’s tobacco sector, with a focus on illicit trade, regulatory gaps, and export potential. The delegation highlighted that an estimated 45–47 billion untaxed cigarettes are sold annually, contributing to revenue losses of around Rs350 billion ($1.3 billion) and creating competitive pressure on the formal sector. Discussions also addressed weaknesses in supply chain oversight, including tobacco leaf procurement and limited traceability, which enable informal manufacturing.

    Officials emphasized the need for stronger, coordinated enforcement across federal and provincial authorities, noting that existing regulations are often inconsistently applied. The role of the Pakistan Tobacco Board and broader policy challenges linked to IMF-related trade reforms were also reviewed, with both sides agreeing to continue collaboration on measures to improve compliance, strengthen monitoring systems, and support formal sector growth.

  • Forbes Includes PMI Near Top of Net Zero Leaders List

    Forbes Includes PMI Near Top of Net Zero Leaders List

    Philip Morris International was named to Forbes’ 2026 Net Zero Leaders list, which recognizes U.S.-listed companies demonstrating measurable progress toward achieving net zero emissions. PMI ranked first in the fast-moving consumer goods category and fourth overall, based on assessments of governance, risk management, decarbonization performance, and financial resilience using data from Sustainalytics and Morningstar.

    The company reiterated its target to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2040, ahead of the 2050 benchmark used by most companies. Recent milestones cited include the launch of its Value Plan 2030+, publication of an updated Climate Transition Plan, and continued progress toward science-based emissions reduction targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative.

  • PMI Announces FDA Reauthorization of IQOS as MRTP

    PMI Announces FDA Reauthorization of IQOS as MRTP

    Today (April 29), Philip Morris announced that it has received renewed Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP) authorizations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its IQOS heated tobacco devices and associated HEETS consumables. The renewal covers two IQOS device versions and three HEETS variants, allowing the company to continue communicating reduced-exposure information to adult smokers in the U.S. The FDA said the decision is appropriate for the protection of public health, citing evidence that switching completely from cigarettes to IQOS significantly reduces exposure to harmful chemicals.

    The agency reaffirmed that available scientific evidence supports a measurable and substantial reduction in harm compared to combustible cigarettes, even without long-term epidemiological data. IQOS was first authorized through the FDA’s premarket pathway in 2019, with its initial MRTP designation granted in 2020 and expanded in subsequent years. The renewed orders maintain PMI’s position as the only company with MRTP authorizations for heated tobacco products in the U.S.

    The authorization applies to the IQOS 2.4 and IQOS 3 systems, along with HEETS Amber, Green Menthol and Blue Menthol variants. PMI said the decision supports its ongoing strategy to transition adult smokers away from cigarettes, as the company continues to invest in and expand its smoke-free product portfolio while awaiting further regulatory review of newer devices.

  • PMI Schedules 2026 Annual Shareholder Meeting

    PMI Schedules 2026 Annual Shareholder Meeting

    Philip Morris International announced that it will hold its 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on May 6 at 9 a.m. ET via a live virtual webcast. The meeting will be accessible online, with presentation materials and a replay available for one year following the event.

    Chairman André Calantzopoulos and CEO Jacek Olczak are scheduled to address shareholders and respond to questions, with participation limited to verified shareholders using a control number.

  • Tobacco-Free Kids Launches Campaign to End F1’s Tobacco Ties

    Tobacco-Free Kids Launches Campaign to End F1’s Tobacco Ties

    Today (March 28), the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids launched a new advertising initiative, “End the Formula,” ahead of the May 3 Miami Grand Prix, calling on Formula 1 to eliminate all tobacco-related sponsorships. The campaign targets partnerships between major F1 teams and companies, including Philip Morris International and British American Tobacco, which promote nicotine pouch and e-cigarette brands such as Zyn, Velo, and Vuse through branding on cars, driver apparel, and digital media. The campaign ties into similar efforts that began in March, which included ads, coordinated outreach with 162 organizations across 57 countries, and more than 25,000 petition messages urging F1 and affiliated partners to end these sponsorship arrangements.

  • Philippines Advocates Alleging Violations from Zyn, IQOS

    Philippines Advocates Alleging Violations from Zyn, IQOS

    Anti-smoking groups in the Philippines are calling on the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to act on complaints alleging violations of the Vape Regulation Act of 2022 by brands including Zyn and IQOS, according to the Sun Star. Advocacy organizations claim the products were promoted at public events such as the Sinulog Festival and through collaborations with artists, which they say are prohibited under the law that bans sponsorships and celebrity endorsements tied to nicotine products.

    Additional concerns were raised over product compliance, with some groups alleging that Zyn nicotine pouches are being sold without proper registration. The DTI, which has jurisdiction over vape-related regulation, is being urged to investigate and enforce existing rules, as advocates warn that continued non-compliance could increase youth exposure and undermine public health protections.

  • PM Plans Zyn Expansion in Tokyo

    PM Plans Zyn Expansion in Tokyo

    Philip Morris Japan announced it plans to expand sales of its oral nicotine pouch product “Zyn by IQOS” in Tokyo, with a broader rollout beginning May 11 across IQOS stores and convenience retailers. The product will be offered in Cool Mint, Spear Mint, Apple Mint, and Peach flavors, each with “low” and “medium” strength options. The company said the expansion reflects growing demand for discreet, smoke-free alternatives that can be used in a wider range of settings.

  • PMI Reduces Zyn Production in Owensboro

    PMI Reduces Zyn Production in Owensboro

    Philip Morris International announced it will scale back production at its Swedish Match facility in Owensboro, Kentucky, shifting part of its Zyn nicotine pouch operations from a 24/7 schedule to a 24/5 schedule beginning in early July, according to The Owensboro Times. The adjustment primarily affects the Zyn Flagship department, which will return to a five-day, three-shift model under the terms of the existing collective bargaining agreement.

    The company said the move reflects changing market conditions, with production currently exceeding demand following a period of rapid growth and capacity expansion. PMI invested more than $230 million into the Owensboro site in 2024, increasing output and adding approximately 450 jobs to support strong demand for Zyn products.

    PMI emphasized that the change is a production realignment rather than a reduction in long-term commitment to the facility, noting that other operations, including Zyn Ultra production and maintenance, will remain on a 24/7 schedule. The company said it will work with union leadership on staffing adjustments and indicated the schedule could return to continuous operations if demand increases.