IQOS Smoking Room at Manila International Airport

The Irish government has approved the publication of the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) (Amendment) Bill 2026. The bill would ban the sale of nicotine consumption products such as nicotine pouches to those under 18 and further regulate nicotine vaping products.

Philip Morris International U.S. (PMI U.S.) announced that it will close the Swedish Match cigar manufacturing facility on Columbia Highway in Dothan, Alabama. The company said the decision reflects its need to maintain focus on offering reduced-risk, FDA-authorized smoke-free products to legal-aged adult nicotine users in the United States to help them move away from combustible cigarettes.

BAT Kenya says it has resumed sales of Velo oral nicotine pouches after receiving regulatory clarity, reinforcing its push into non-combustible products as cigarette consumption falls.The company reported a 10% drop in turnover in 2025, with revenue closing at KSh23.2 billion (about $178.64 million), largely attributed to the growing presence of illegal tobacco products.

Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) announced it will install vaping detection sensors across all high schools in Hillsborough County as part of what officials called a “proactive step” toward healthier and safer learning environments. District staff said the sensors are intended to help reduce vaping on campus, support student well-being and encourage positive behavior change.

Russian business groups are trying to persuade the authorities to abandon plans to ban the sale of e-cigarettes and related liquids at both the federal and regional levels.

Escalating tensions involving Iran are disrupting air transit routes heavily used for China’s vape exports to Europe, preventing the usual post–Lunar New Year freight rate decline. While Europe-bound capacity reliant on Middle East hubs faces pressure, shipments to the United States remain largely unaffected for now. However, potential jet fuel price increases could broaden cost pressures globally.