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.

 

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

Virginia Tobacco Retail Permit Takes Effect October 1, Covering Vapes as More Than 3,000 Businesses Apply in September
Virginia Tobacco Retail Permit Takes Effect October 1, Covering Vapes as More Than 3,000 Businesses Apply in September
Virginia's new retail tobacco permit system took effect October 1, requiring sellers of vapes, nicotine products and related devices and accessories to obtain a Retail Tobacco Permit for each business location. Virginia ABC said more than 3,000 businesses applied in September alone, creating a processing backlog. Qualifying applicants that filed before October 1 may temporarily operate under a Letter of Authorization. The new store-level permit also sits alongside Virginia's existing vape product directory, where sales of unlisted liquid nicotine or nicotine vapor products can trigger civil penalties starting at $5,000.
Regulations
Oct.03
2Firsts On-Site | PMI Brings IQOS, ZYN, VEEV and Marlboro Together at Its “Boulevard” at InterTabac 2026
2Firsts On-Site | PMI Brings IQOS, ZYN, VEEV and Marlboro Together at Its “Boulevard” at InterTabac 2026
At InterTabac 2026 in Dortmund, PMI is presenting multiple brands and products along “The PMI Boulevard,” including IQOS, ZYN, VEEV and Marlboro. On-site images captured by 2Firsts show dedicated spaces including the IQOS Boutique, ZYN Café, PMI Gallery and Marlboro Office
Market
Sep.16 by 2Firsts Perspectives
PMI Showcases ZYN, IQOS and U.S. Investments at NACS Show 2026
PMI Showcases ZYN, IQOS and U.S. Investments at NACS Show 2026
At the 2026 NACS Show in Las Vegas, Philip Morris International (PMI) showcased its ZYN nicotine pouches, IQOS heated tobacco products and U.S. investments. A 2Firsts review of FDA records found that several ZYN products displayed at the booth were not on the agency's marketing authorization list, including certain nicotine strengths and flavors. A PMI booth representative also confirmed that IQOS is currently sold in three U.S. states, while the newer IQOS ILUMA system remains under FDA review.
EXPO
Oct.10
BAT CFO Dragos Constantinescu Takes Office, Returning After Seven Years and Former Asahi Europe Leadership Role
BAT CFO Dragos Constantinescu Takes Office, Returning After Seven Years and Former Asahi Europe Leadership Role
Dragos Constantinescu has officially taken up his role as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director at British American Tobacco (BAT). He previously spent 16 years at BAT across finance and general management roles in Europe before joining Asahi in 2019 and becoming CEO of Asahi Europe & International in 2025. His return comes as BAT continues to advance its “A Better Tomorrow” transformation.
BAT
Sep.01
FRE and ALP Push Modern Oral to 48% of Q2 Sales as Turning Point Brands Changes CEO and Lowers Profit-Guidance Ceiling
FRE and ALP Push Modern Oral to 48% of Q2 Sales as Turning Point Brands Changes CEO and Lowers Profit-Guidance Ceiling
Turning Point Brands said Executive Chairman David E. Glazek will become CEO on October 1, replacing Graham Purdy, who is stepping down for personal reasons. The company narrowed its 2026 adjusted EBITDA outlook to $70 million-$80 million from $70 million-$90 million while maintaining Modern Oral gross sales guidance of $330 million-$350 million and net sales guidance of $260 million-$270 million. In the second quarter, Modern Oral net sales rose 128% to $68.4 million and accounted for 48% of company-wide net sales. Adjusted EBITDA fell 50% year over year. TPB shares closed about 10% lower on September 21.
Market
Sep.22 by 2Firsts Perspectives
F1 Faces Renewed Pressure Over Tobacco and Nicotine Sponsorships as 67 Groups Target ZYN and VELO Ahead of Madrid Race
F1 Faces Renewed Pressure Over Tobacco and Nicotine Sponsorships as 67 Groups Target ZYN and VELO Ahead of Madrid Race
Ahead of the Formula 1 race in Madrid, 67 Spanish and international public-health, medical and consumer organizations have sent an open letter to F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali calling for an end to sponsorships linked to the tobacco and nicotine industry, including nicotine pouches, vaping products and heated tobacco. The letter focuses on Philip Morris International’s ZYN partnership with Ferrari and British American Tobacco’s long-running partnership with McLaren and exposure for VELO. The campaign follows a March letter in which more than 160 organizations worldwide made a similar request to Formula 1.
Sep.10