JTI Plans to Enter Korean HNB Market in H1 2024

JTI by 2FIRSTS.ai

Jan.10.2024

JTI Plans to Enter Korean HNB Market in H1 2024

Japan Tobacco International (JTI) is preparing to enter the South Korean market, adding heated tobacco sticks to convenience store shelves.

According to a report by South Korean media outlet, etoday, on January 9th, Japan Tobacco International (JTI) is ready to enter the South Korean market, driven by the success of KT&G and Philip Morris International (PMI) in the heated tobacco market (HNB).

According to industry sources, Japan Tobacco International (JTI) Korea is expected to introduce heated tobacco sticks to convenience store cigarette shelves in Korea in the first half of this year. This move is seen by the tobacco industry as part of JTI Korea's efforts to launch a new type of e-cigarette. Currently, JTI Korea does not sell HNB (heat-not-burn) tobacco and tobacco stick products in the area.

Since 2022, JTI has registered over 100 design patents related to e-cigarettes with the Korean Intellectual Property Office. These patents encompass all aspects of e-cigarette devices and associated components, including the trademark for their newly launched HNB product, "Ploom X," which is currently being sold in Japan.

Japan Tobacco International (JTI) is a Japanese tobacco company headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and operates a subsidiary called JTI Korea in South Korea. Although JTI introduced its liquid pod-based e-cigarette product, Ploom Tech, in South Korea in 2019, the company discontinued its sales in 2021. However, due to JTI's global expansion of its e-cigarette business, the industry is optimistic about JTI Korea's prospects in the South Korean e-cigarette market.

A representative from JTI Korea stated that the plans to release e-cigarettes have not been finalized yet, but they are continuously considering various possibilities to enter the e-cigarette market in Korea based on consumer demand and industry trends.

References:

[1] '2강' 궐련형 전자담배 시장…JTI코리아 발 담그나

Also Read:

[1] KT&G Faces Challenges in CEO Reelection Process

[2] Philip Morris Applies for SENTIA Trademark in South Korea

#Asia #South Korea #JTI #Heated tobacco products #E-cigarette Market

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn

Notice

1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

Copyright

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

British American Tobacco’s Irish unit says VELO pouch sales hit 29m, net revenue climbs to €33.75m

British American Tobacco’s Irish subsidiary PJ Carroll & Co Ltd reported that sales of its Velo nicotine pouches nearly quintupled in 2024 to 29 million units, driving an 11% year-on-year increase in net revenue to €33.75 million. However, amid a heavy tax burden and declining traditional cigarette volumes, the company’s pre-tax profit fell 8% to €5.69 million.

Dec.01 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Pakistan Speeds Up Local Nicotine Pouch Production as PMI Unit Prepares to Launch ZYN

Pakistan’s smokeless, tobacco-free nicotine pouch market has expanded rapidly in recent years, prompting major tobacco companies to accelerate local investments, with Philip Morris Pakistan Ltd. (PMPKL) set to produce ZYN at its Sahiwal facility.

Dec.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Poll Shows Britons Favor Regulation Over Bans on Nicotine Pouches

A new poll commissioned by We Vape UK reveals that most Britons favor regulation — not prohibition — of nicotine pouches. The survey shows broad public support for harm-reduction policies and frustration with weak government regulation, contrasting sharply with Ireland’s recent decision to ban disposable vapes and impose strict limits on nicotine products.

Nov.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Morocco Aligns Cigarette Pricing Structure with New 2026 Tax Adjustment

Morocco will raise retail cigarette prices by 1–2 dirhams (≈ US$ 0.10–0.20) per pack starting January 1, 2026, as part of the final phase of its tobacco tax reform. The adjustment mainly affects value-category cigarette brands; premiums remain largely unchanged.