KT&G and PMI Partner to Expand E-Cigarette Market in Central and South America

PMI by 2FIRSTS.ai
May.09.2024
KT&G and PMI Partner to Expand E-Cigarette Market in Central and South America
KT&G and PMI partner to expand e-cigarette market in Central and South America, with PMI launching KT&G's "lil" globally.

According to a report by South Korean media outlet View.Nate on May 9, the South Korean company KT&G plans to enter the Central and South American market for its e-cigarette product "lil" through a partnership with Philip Morris International.

 

PMI will actively sell KT&G's e-cigarette products and will sell its "lil" product globally outside of South Korea.

 

According to reports, on the 2nd day, PMI successfully launched its new e-cigarette "IQOS Iluma" in Mexico. Following the new product launch in Mexico, PMI plans to introduce IQOS in Brazil. The company submitted an approval application for IQOS products to Brazil in March last year, aiming to further promote its non-combustible products in the Central and South American markets.

 

Thanks to the diversity in the non-combustible product market in Central and South America, this has also driven the demand for PMI's KT & Ge-cigarette product "lil".

 

Jorge Calleja, Marketing Director of PMI Mexico, stated, "After 5 months of preparation, we have finally launched 'IQOS Iluma' in the Mexican market. This is an important milestone in our push for smoke-free products in Mexico."

 

In January 2023, KT&G and PMI signed a new long-term contract for the international marketing of "lil," agreeing to a 15-year agreement that will last until 2038. PMI has promised to sell at least 16 billion units of KT&G e-cigarette products over the next year.

 

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

South Korea to regulate synthetic-nicotine e-liquids as tobacco from April 24
South Korea to regulate synthetic-nicotine e-liquids as tobacco from April 24
South Korea’s Health Ministry says amendments to the Tobacco Business Act will take effect on April 24, bringing synthetic-nicotine e-liquid vapes under the legal definition of tobacco. The shift extends cigarette-style rules to these products, including mandatory graphic warnings, sharply limited advertising channels, stricter vending-machine placement requirements, and a ban on use in smoke-free areas, with enforcement checks slated from late April.
Feb.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill Enters House of Lords Report Stage
UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill Enters House of Lords Report Stage
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill has entered the report stage in the UK House of Lords, with further examination scheduled to begin on February 24, 2026. The legislation aims to create the first “smoke-free generation” by ensuring that individuals who are 15 years old or younger in 2026 can never legally be sold tobacco.
Regulations
Feb.22
Singapore to Extend Etomidate Controls and Table New Vape Legislation in 2026
Singapore to Extend Etomidate Controls and Table New Vape Legislation in 2026
Singapore will maintain etomidate’s classification under drug control laws while preparing new legislation targeting e-vaporisers, as authorities reinforce a hardline regulatory stance on vaping.
Feb.05
Malaysia moves ahead with vape sales ban plan; PMI urges Japan-style differentiated excise taxes
Malaysia moves ahead with vape sales ban plan; PMI urges Japan-style differentiated excise taxes
Malaysia plans to implement a ban or restrictions on e-cigarettes and vaping products as early as mid-2026 and no later than year-end. The head of Philip Morris Malaysia and Singapore said the government should look to Japan’s approach of regulating and taxing different tobacco and nicotine products differently, warning that an outright ban could push demand into illicit channels.
Feb.02
Russia dismantles illegal vape liquid plant near Moscow; goods worth about $13 million seized
Russia dismantles illegal vape liquid plant near Moscow; goods worth about $13 million seized
Russian authorities say they have dismantled an illegal vape-liquid production site in the Moscow region, seizing four production lines, large quantities of components and finished goods, and substantial cash. The Interior Ministry estimated the seized products’ value at about 1 billion rubles (≈$13 million) and said the operation ran around the clock, producing up to 75,000 units per shift.
Feb.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan Tax Reform Threatens JTI Heated Tobacco Growth in 2026
Japan Tax Reform Threatens JTI Heated Tobacco Growth in 2026
Japan’s plan to remove the lower tax rate for heated tobacco products could slow growth in the country’s largest HTP market, JTI’s CFO said. Retail prices may rise by 70 to 100 yen, though the company plans phased increases to soften the impact.
JTI
Feb.15