JTI Plans to Enter Korean HNB Market in H1 2024

JTI by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jan.10.2024
JTI Plans to Enter Korean HNB Market in H1 2024
Japan Tobacco International (JTI) is preparing to enter the South Korean market, adding heated tobacco sticks to convenience store shelves.

According to a report by South Korean media outlet, etoday, on January 9th, Japan Tobacco International (JTI) is ready to enter the South Korean market, driven by the success of KT&G and Philip Morris International (PMI) in the heated tobacco market (HNB).

 

According to industry sources, Japan Tobacco International (JTI) Korea is expected to introduce heated tobacco sticks to convenience store cigarette shelves in Korea in the first half of this year. This move is seen by the tobacco industry as part of JTI Korea's efforts to launch a new type of e-cigarette. Currently, JTI Korea does not sell HNB (heat-not-burn) tobacco and tobacco stick products in the area.

 

Since 2022, JTI has registered over 100 design patents related to e-cigarettes with the Korean Intellectual Property Office. These patents encompass all aspects of e-cigarette devices and associated components, including the trademark for their newly launched HNB product, "Ploom X," which is currently being sold in Japan.

 

Japan Tobacco International (JTI) is a Japanese tobacco company headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and operates a subsidiary called JTI Korea in South Korea. Although JTI introduced its liquid pod-based e-cigarette product, Ploom Tech, in South Korea in 2019, the company discontinued its sales in 2021. However, due to JTI's global expansion of its e-cigarette business, the industry is optimistic about JTI Korea's prospects in the South Korean e-cigarette market.

 

A representative from JTI Korea stated that the plans to release e-cigarettes have not been finalized yet, but they are continuously considering various possibilities to enter the e-cigarette market in Korea based on consumer demand and industry trends.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Ireland to Impose EU’s Highest Tax on Vape E-Liquids: €0.50 per ml, Effective Nov. 1
Ireland to Impose EU’s Highest Tax on Vape E-Liquids: €0.50 per ml, Effective Nov. 1
From Nov. 1, Ireland will levy €0.50/ml on all e-liquids and tighten rules—including a disposable ban; advocates warn this could hinder quitting amid a missed 2025 target.
Oct.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
 Number of Vapers in Britain Surpasses Smokers for the First Time, Government Tightens Nicotine Regulations
Number of Vapers in Britain Surpasses Smokers for the First Time, Government Tightens Nicotine Regulations
For the first time, more people in Britain now vape than smoke. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 10% of adults (5.4 million) regularly use e-cigarettes compared with 9.1% (4.9 million) who smoke cigarettes. The government credits vaping for the decline in smoking but plans tougher rules through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, including a generational smoking ban and restrictions on nicotine pouch flavours, packaging, and sales.
Nov.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Observations | Two Months After Launch, BAT’s VELO Shift Draws Attention for Non-Traditional Design as Some Users Call for Higher Nicotine Strength
2Firsts Observations | Two Months After Launch, BAT’s VELO Shift Draws Attention for Non-Traditional Design as Some Users Call for Higher Nicotine Strength
British American Tobacco (BAT) introduced the VELO Shift nicotine pouch in September 2025, featuring a hexagonal outer can and an oval-triangle pouch shape that departs from traditional designs. Two months after launch, the product is available in the U.K., U.S. and Sweden. Social-media feedback indicates the design has been well received, while some users are calling for higher nicotine strength.
Nov.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Ireland Considering Ban on Nicotine Pouches to Protect Youth, Says Chief Medical Officer
Ireland Considering Ban on Nicotine Pouches to Protect Youth, Says Chief Medical Officer
Ireland’s Department of Health is examining a ban on nicotine pouches to curb nicotine use among young people. Chief Medical Officer Prof. Mary Horgan said the ban could be included in amendments to the current tobacco bill.
Nov.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Denmark Proposes Sharper Tax Hike: Heated Tobacco Up 132%, Nicotine Pouches Facing 1,000% Increase
Denmark Proposes Sharper Tax Hike: Heated Tobacco Up 132%, Nicotine Pouches Facing 1,000% Increase
According to foreign media, the European Union will examine a strengthened Danish proposal to amend the Tobacco Excise Directive. The plan introduces sharper tax increases on heated tobacco, nicotine pouches and other products. Despite overwhelming public opposition in earlier consultations, the revision continues to move forward, raising concerns about supply chain impacts and potential growth in illicit trade.
Dec.04
Heno Biotech Invited to Speak at PouchEX 2025 in Stockholm, Introduces Supply Chain Competency Model for the Nicotine Pouch Industry
Heno Biotech Invited to Speak at PouchEX 2025 in Stockholm, Introduces Supply Chain Competency Model for the Nicotine Pouch Industry
Heno Biotech was invited to deliver a keynote address at PouchEX Stockholm 2025, presenting a new supply chain competency model for the nicotine pouch sector. The company showcased its end-to-end capabilities—from scientific research and advanced manufacturing to global regulatory compliance—underscoring the critical role of supply chain upgrading in driving sustainable industry growth.
Nov.24