IQOS Smoking Room at Manila International Airport

Philip Morris International (PMI) said its U.S.-related investments have topped $20 billion since 2022, when it entered the U.S. market through its roughly $19 billion acquisition of Swedish Match. The company also said it plans to launch its heated tobacco product IQOS ILUMA in the United States pending authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

NASCAR Holdings has struck a partnership with Grizzly, a nicotine pouch brand under Reynolds American, making it an official sponsor across NASCAR and its track portfolio, with financial terms undisclosed. Separately, zone, a nicotine pouch brand owned by Imperial Brands’ U.S. subsidiary ITG Brands, renewed its relationship with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and will continue sponsoring Kyle Busch’s No. 8 car during the 2026 season.

Russia is considering digitizing e-cigarette products for better industry regulation, aiming to protect consumers and prevent counterfeit products.

China is tightening controls over e-cigarette production capacity and investment as regulators move to curb disorderly competition and address oversupply risks, a new policy framework released on December 25 shows, signaling stronger oversight and a faster shakeout across the country’s e-cigarette supply chain, according to first-hand reporting by 2Firsts.

In the United States, California, San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu announced a $1 million settlement requiring online tobacco retailer Lucy Goods, Inc. to stop shipping illegal tobacco products into San Francisco.

Russia’s St. Petersburg legislature has formed a working group to explore tougher controls on vape trade and sales, including the option of a citywide sales ban. The group is set to convene on Jan. 26 with participation from lawmakers, civil society and law enforcement. The move comes as Russia’s federal authorities continue to debate legislation that could allow regions to impose their own restrictions on vapes.