FLER at APE

Japan will implement price increases centered on heated tobacco products from April 1, 2026, following a tobacco tax hike. BAT Japan has decided to keep current prices unchanged for 38 glo-compatible tobacco stick products across the Velo, neo, Lucky Strike, and Kent lines.

Breeze Smoke and Glas, Inc. have separately requested White House review under Executive Order 12866 as the FDA advances draft guidance on flavored ENDS (RIN 0910-ZC78). The guidance aims to clarify evidentiary standards under the statutory “appropriate for the protection of public health” (APPH) framework. The parallel filings highlight industry concern over regulatory predictability, particularly as Glas’s PMTA review status has recently drawn market attention.

KT&G has approved a plan to establish a branch in Guatemala, which will serve as its first local base in Central and South America. The company is currently preparing office space, staffing, and operating systems. KT&G said the branch is intended to secure a regional distribution base and will focus on local channel management and new sales channel expansion. Meanwhile, overseas cigarette revenue in 2025 exceeded the domestic share for the first time.

AIR Limited and Cantor Equity Partners III, Inc. announced that AIR and AIR Holdings Limited have filed a Form F-4 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with their previously announced proposed business combination. Upon closing, the combined company, AIR Global PLC, is expected to be listed on Nasdaq in the United States under the ticker symbol “AIIR.”

A proposal by New York Governor Kathy Hochul to impose a steep tax on nicotine pouches has drawn opposition from law-enforcement officials and business groups, who say it could expand the state’s illicit tobacco market. The measure was included in Hochul’s preliminary two-year USD 260 billion budget plan and would treat nicotine pouches like other tobacco products.

IVG has added six new flavours to its Pro range, taking the total line-up to 39 flavours. The new additions are Cola Frost, Rainbow Burst, Pineapple Tropic, Blueberry Raspberry, Strawberry Raspberry Ice and Raspberry Cherry Blueberry. All six are available only in 20mg nicotine strength, with an RRP of £10.95 for a starter kit and £7.95 for a refill pod.