FLER at APE

A new study by the Fraunhofer Institute says the rapidly expanding illicit market for disposable e-cigarettes is undermining European regulation, fuelling youth vaping and causing significant tax losses. The study says the illicit market is worth EUR 6.6 billion in 2026 and is projected to rise to EUR 10.8 billion by 2030. It adds that a significant share of the disposable vape market now operates outside the regulatory framework established by the EU Tobacco Products Directive.

KT&G said on April 20 that it has launched two new “AIIM” sticks for its lil AIBLE heated tobacco device at convenience stores nationwide in South Korea. The new products are “AIIM CHANGE UP” and “AIIM COOL SHOT.” The company said the products were developed based on the existing lil SOLID dedicated sticks “Fiit Change Up” and “Fiit Cool Shot.” With the launch, the Aim lineup for lil AIBLE has expanded to 13 products.

Belarus rejects full e-cigarette ban, opts for stricter regulation. Officials plan to restrict wholesaling and strengthen import and production permits.

Imperial Brands has announced the launch of a new Sour Berry flavour for its Blu vape range. The product will launch across retail this month, with both the Blu bar kit and Blu pod pack carrying a recommended retail price of GBP 5.99 (approximately USD 7.79, based on 1 GBP ≈ 1.30 USD).

Cambodian Health Minister Cheang Ra has called for the development of a tobacco control strategy for 2027–2031, with the goal of reducing tobacco use by 30% by 2030. The directive was issued during a Tobacco Product Control Committee meeting in Phnom Penh. Priority areas include reducing tobacco use, protecting the public from secondhand smoke, tackling illegal and counterfeit tobacco products, and preventing the spread of e-cigarettes.

Reynolds American said American Snuff Company will add more than 50 manufacturing roles at its Clarksville, Tennessee facility as part of its wider U.S. manufacturing investment plan. The company said the hiring is one of the latest developments under its plan to invest more than USD 3.2 billion across U.S. operations by 2030.