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Tag: Philippines

  • Philippine NTA Helping Tobacco Farmers Diversify

    Philippine NTA Helping Tobacco Farmers Diversify

    The Philippines’ National Tobacco Administration (NTA) is expanding efforts to diversify income sources for tobacco-growing communities through livelihood and entrepreneurship training programs. NTA-Isabela, in partnership with the Isabela School of Arts and Trades-TESDA, conducted food-processing training for 30 tobacco farmers and family members in Ilagan City, teaching participants how to produce value-added products such as kimchi and pichi-pichi.

    The training was carried out under the Farmers Organization and Development Program (FODP) and forms part of the government’s broader rural development agenda aimed at improving household incomes and reducing reliance on a single crop. NTA officials said the initiative is designed to help farmers develop alternative income streams, encourage small-scale enterprise creation, and strengthen economic resilience amid changing agricultural and market conditions.

  • Philippines Urged to Lead ASEAN Effort Against Growing Illicit Tobacco Trade

    Philippines Urged to Lead ASEAN Effort Against Growing Illicit Tobacco Trade

    The Philippines has been urged to spearhead a coordinated ASEAN response to illicit tobacco trade as it assumes the bloc’s chairmanship, with government and industry representatives warning that tobacco smuggling has evolved into a sophisticated regional criminal enterprise. Speaking at the Third International Tobacco Summit in Pasig City, participants called for harmonized enforcement and regulatory strategies across Southeast Asia to prevent transnational syndicates from exploiting gaps between national markets.

    According to Euromonitor International, illicit tobacco in the ASEAN-6 markets—comprising the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore—resulted in an estimated $12.6 billion in lost government revenue over the past two years, with illicit volumes projected to grow from 145 billion sticks in 2025 to 170 billion sticks by 2028. Domestically, the Philippine Tobacco Institute estimated the country’s illicit tobacco market at P141 billion ($2.3 billion) and called for stronger regional collaboration to combat increasingly sophisticated smuggling networks. Industry representatives also advocated greater use of artificial intelligence tools to improve cargo screening and identify suspected tobacco smuggling operations. Japan Tobacco International regional anti-illicit trade director Valentin Dinca said the Philippines ranks among the strongest markets globally in combating illegal tobacco trade, while noting further opportunities to enhance enforcement capabilities and reduce illicit market activity.

  • Philippine Tobacco Growers Warn of Oversupply Risk

    Philippine Tobacco Growers Warn of Oversupply Risk

    Philippine tobacco growers are expressing concern over a potential supply glut after strong leaf prices last year encouraged farmers to expand planting, raising fears of a market downturn. Philippine Tobacco Growers’ Association President Saturnino Distor said non-government organizations and local officials have been urging farmers to increase tobacco cultivation, but cautioned that favorable pricing conditions are unlikely to be repeated amid rising global production. He noted that major producer Malawi has significantly increased output in response to last year’s high prices, potentially flooding international markets and putting downward pressure on leaf prices.

    The National Tobacco Administration (NTA) warned that oversupply conditions could persist for two to three years and is preparing information campaigns to discourage excessive production and help protect farmers from a possible price collapse. NTA Deputy Administrator for Operations Nestor Casela said buyers have signaled reluctance to purchase additional leaf while surplus inventories remain in the market. The regulator indicated that oversupply concerns are concentrated in Virginia tobacco, while demand for Burley and native tobacco remains relatively stable. For 2026, the NTA forecasts national tobacco production of about 51 million kg, including approximately 20 million kg of Virginia tobacco, and has set buying prices of up to P98 ($1.57) per kg for higher-grade leaf and P62 ($0.99) per kg for lower-grade and rejected tobacco.

  • Philippines Urges Early Tobacco Planting Amid El Niño Threat

    Philippines Urges Early Tobacco Planting Amid El Niño Threat

    The Philippines’ National Tobacco Administration (NTA) is urging farmers to begin planting tobacco earlier than usual to reduce the potential impact of an anticipated El Niño-induced dry spell, while maintaining its forecast for stable tobacco production in the 2025-2026 crop year. NTA Administrator Belinda Sanchez said the agency expects total tobacco output to reach about 51 million kg, including approximately 20 million kg of Virginia tobacco, broadly in line with last year’s levels.

    To help crops avoid peak summer dryness, the NTA is advising farmers to complete planting by mid-December rather than extending activities through the end of the month. Deputy Administrator Nestor Casela said earlier that planting would allow crops to benefit from existing soil moisture and improve their chances of surviving prolonged dry conditions. The agency has also prepared contingency support through its risk management and contract-growing programs for farmers affected by weather-related losses. Despite climate concerns, the NTA said market conditions remain favorable, with surplus inventories from the previous harvest largely absorbed by buyers. Trading of Virginia tobacco is expected to continue through the end of the month, supported by demand from major cigarette manufacturers including Japan Tobacco International and Philip Morris International, which source leaf through wholesale dealers such as Universal Leaf and Trans Manila Inc.

  • Philippines Hosting Third International Tobacco Summit

    Philippines Hosting Third International Tobacco Summit

    The Philippines will convene the Third International Tobacco Summit on June 18 in Pasig City with the stated goal of strengthening coordination against the illicit tobacco and nicotine trade. Citing an EU–ASEAN Business Council and Euromonitor study, officials estimate the country lost about ₱141 billion ($2.4 billion) in revenue from illicit tobacco between 2024 and 2025, with 85.6% of e-vapes sold in the Philippines classified as illegal.

    The summit will focus on enforcement gaps, taxation issues, regulatory coordination, and regional cooperation among ASEAN states, alongside a planned joint commitment by government agencies to intensify action against illicit operators. The Department of Agriculture and the National Tobacco Administration, along with the Bureau of Customs, Philippine National Police, Department of Justice, and other agencies, are expected to participate.

  • Philippine Health Groups Call for Science in Nicotine Control

    Philippine Health Groups Call for Science in Nicotine Control

    Health advocates, academics, and industry representatives urged Philippine lawmakers to base proposed amendments to Republic Act 11900 on scientific evidence, while stepping up enforcement against illegal vape products during a recent Senate hearing. Stakeholders argued that regulations should balance youth protection with access to smoke-free alternatives for adult smokers.

    Dr. Lorenzo Mata of Quit for Good said strict safeguards, including age restrictions and product standards, remain essential, while Professor Michael Eric Castillo of CAPS and Partners cautioned that overly restrictive rules could drive consumers toward the illicit market. The growth of unauthorized vape sales emerged as a key issue, with participants calling for stronger enforcement as the Senate reviews potential changes to the country’s vape law.

  • Zyn Expanding Flavors in the Philippines

    Zyn Expanding Flavors in the Philippines

    Philip Morris International expanded its Zyn nicotine pouch portfolio in the Philippines with the introduction of new variants, including Cool Breeze in a 1.5mg strength and the Tropical flavor in 3mg and 6mg strengths. The update broadens the brand’s existing strength architecture in the market, which now spans 1.5mg, 3mg and 6mg across multiple flavors listed on its official Philippines website.

    According to the company, the 1.5mg Cool Breeze variant is positioned as a lower-strength option aimed at adult nicotine consumers who are new to nicotine pouches, while higher strengths will continue to serve existing users. The Tropical flavor is currently available in 3mg and 6mg formats, further expanding ZYN’s flavor range in the Philippines.

    The Philippine portfolio also includes several flavors such as Fresh Breeze, Dark Purple, and Espressino across different nicotine strengths.

  • Philippines Flagged ‘Elevated Risk’ for Illicit Cigarettes as Price Gaps Grow

    Philippines Flagged ‘Elevated Risk’ for Illicit Cigarettes as Price Gaps Grow

    The Philippines has been identified as an “elevated risk” market for illicit cigarettes, with illegal products accounting for 25.3% of total sales last year and projected to rise to 28.9% by 2028, according to a Euromonitor International study commissioned by the EU-ASEAN Business Council. The report estimates the government lost nearly $980 million in 2024 and about $1.1 billion last year due to the illicit cigarette trade, while illegal e-vapes, which make up 86% of the market, caused an additional P23 billion ($400 million) in losses from 2024 to 2025.

    Researchers cited price-sensitive consumers, porous maritime borders, established regional smuggling routes, annual excise tax hikes of 5%, and enforcement challenges as key drivers, with illicit products increasingly imported from neighboring ASEAN states and China. The study also highlighted the growing role of digital platforms such as Telegram, WhatsApp, and Facebook Marketplace in distributing illegal tobacco, alongside traditional sari-sari stores and street vendors, and warned that paper-based tax stamps are easily counterfeited, recommending a shift toward digital tax verification systems to better protect revenues and track the trade.

  • Caloocan City Adopts Anti-Illicit Tobacco Ordinance

    Caloocan City Adopts Anti-Illicit Tobacco Ordinance

    Caloocan City, Philippines, enacted City Ordinance No. 1193, Series of 2026—the Anti-Illicit Tobacco Trade Ordinance—becoming the first local government unit in Metro Manila to formally prohibit the manufacture, distribution, and sale of tobacco products that do not comply with national regulations. Mayor Dale Gonzalo Malapitan said the measure targets cigarettes lacking Internal Revenue stamps, graphic health warnings, or those sold below government-mandated pricing, with penalties that include fines, business permit suspension or revocation, and imprisonment of up to one year. The city’s Business Permits and Licensing Office has been directed to enforce compliance among retailers.

    Orlando Oxales, convenor of CitizenWatch Philippines, called the move “strong and timely,” noting similar local actions this year in Mariveles, Bataan, and ongoing discussions in Davao City aimed at strengthening anti-illicit trade enforcement at the LGU level.

  • Philippines’ Health Renews Total Vape Ban Push

    Philippines’ Health Renews Total Vape Ban Push

    The Philippine Department of Health renewed its call for a total ban on vaping products, citing public health risks and positioning prohibition as the most straightforward and cost-effective solution. While a full ban is not yet in place, the agency is urging stricter enforcement of existing regulations under the Vape Regulation Act, particularly provisions restricting flavored products that may appeal to minors.

    The DOH pointed to regional precedents, noting that several neighboring Asian countries have already implemented comprehensive vape bans. In the interim, officials are prioritizing the removal of flavored vape products from the market, emphasizing that flavor descriptors linked to fruits, candy, desserts, or cartoon imagery are considered to disproportionately attract youth.