Complaint Filed by JTI Against Egyptian Tobacco Monopoly

BusinessJTI by 2FIRSTS.ai

Nov.21.2023

Complaint Filed by JTI Against Egyptian Tobacco Monopoly

Japan Tobacco International (JTI) has lodged a complaint against Egypt's leading tobacco producer, Eastern Company, accusing it of monopolizing the market.

According to Shafaqna news, Japan Tobacco International (JTI) has filed a complaint with the Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA), alleging that the largest tobacco producer in Egypt, Eastern Company, holds a monopoly position in the market.

A senior insider has alleged that the complaint involves 日烟国际's brand, Golden Coast, which is in direct competition with low-priced cigarettes provided by the Oriental Corporation in the Egyptian market.

According to sources, Japan Tobacco International previously manufactured the brand at its factory in Turkey and imported and sold it in Egypt. However, the recent tax amendment imposes value-added tax on low-priced cigarettes, preventing Japan Tobacco International from importing the brand and limiting its sales to local production.

Over the past year, the Egyptian cigarette market has witnessed several controversial events. This includes the issuance of new licenses to Eastern Company, the sole government-owned manufacturer, after several decades, as well as the sale of a 30% stake in the Eastern Company to a global investment holding company for 625 million dollars.

References:

[1] JTI accuses Eastern Company of monopoly in cigarette market

Also Read:

[1] JTI Greece Plans €3 Billion Investment in HTPs

[2] JTI Expands International Investments in HNB Tobacco Market

[3] JTI: Not in Disposable Game Yet, Exploring Opportunities in Nicotine Pouch

#Traditional tobacco #Market #Africa #Egypt #JTI

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

Bulgaria to Increase Tobacco and Nicotine Product Taxes in 2026, Expected to Generate Additional Revenue of 130 Million Euros

Bulgaria will raise excise taxes on cigarettes, cigars, heated tobacco, and e-cigarette liquids starting January 2026. The increase, approved under the 2026 state budget, will be implemented gradually over four years. The Ministry of Finance expects the reform to generate about €130 million in additional revenue by 2026.

Nov.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Kenya Court of Appeal Halts BBC Defamation Case Linked to BAT Bribery Documentary

Kenya’s Court of Appeal has paused the defamation proceedings filed by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula against the BBC. The case centers on a 2015 BBC documentary, Panorama: The Secret Bribes of Big Tobacco, which alleged that Wetang’ula received unlawful benefits from British American Tobacco (BAT) during his tenure as a senator.

Dec.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Philippines Moves to Ban Open-System Vape Cartridges and Uncertified E-Liquids, Removes Several Devices from Compliance List

DTI plans nationwide ban on open system pods and unlicensed e-liquids to ensure consumer safety and health.

Oct.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai

NSW Police Seize About US$1.9 Million in Illegal Tobacco Products, Including 15,000 Vapes

During a recent routine traffic stop, New South Wales police discovered a large quantity of illegal tobacco and vapes hidden inside a rental truck, including approximately 942,000 cigarettes and more than 15,000 e-cigarettes, with an estimated value of nearly AUD 2 million. The 31-year-old driver was arrested at the scene and the case has now entered judicial proceedings.