Exclusive with LAMI's Southeast Asia Director Mr. Miao

AI is moving from a back-office tool to a core organizational capability in the nicotine industry. Based on JTI’s responses, this 2Firsts feature examines how AI is reshaping talent strategy, internal mobility, decision-making and human accountability as global tobacco companies compete in the shift toward new nicotine categories.

Argentina’s new tobacco and nicotine framework marks a shift from prohibition toward registration, traceability and health surveillance. Argentine THR advocate Juan Facundo Teme told 2Firsts that adult consumers and parts of the local commercial sector are cautiously optimistic, but concerns remain over flavor limits, registration costs and market access. The policy’s implementation may determine whether Argentina can move informal sales into regulated channels.

Altria and Juul are asking a California federal court to pause an antitrust case while they appeal a class certification ruling to the Ninth Circuit. The case alleges that Altria’s 2018 investment in Juul, a $12.8 billion deal for a 35% stake.

German Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider said he is preparing legislation to ban disposable e-cigarettes and will present a bill this year. Industry data estimated that legal e-cigarette sales in Germany rose by about one quarter in 2025 to €2.4 billion. Refillable devices are not expected to be affected by the ban.

Italy’s Competition and Market Authority (AGCM) has fined Philip Morris Italia €7 million, finding that the company’s use of “smoke-free future” and related claims in promoting products such as IQOS, VEEV and ZYN could mislead consumers.

The Philippine Department of Health said it is pushing for a total ban on vape products. If a full ban is not feasible, DOH officer-in-charge Director Dr. Dominic Maddumba said vape products should at least be limited to plain tobacco flavors to reduce their appeal to minors.