PMI invests $150m in Philippine no-burn tobacco production

Sep.30.2022
PMI invests $150m in Philippine no-burn tobacco production
Philip Morris invests 8.8 billion Philippine pesos to produce smoke-free tobacco pods in the Philippines, with estimated commercial production in 2023.

Philip Morris International will invest PHP 8.8 billion ($150 million) to start producing tobacco pods for smokeless heating in the Philippines, with the aim of moving away from traditional cigarettes.


Commercial production is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2023 in a local joint venture between the US Tobacco Group and the billionaire Lucio Tan's corporate group, LT Group, under the name PMFTC.


This will mark PMI's first production of heated tobacco sticks in the Philippines. PMI announced at a press conference on Wednesday that production will take place at an existing cigarette factory in Batangas province on the island of Luzon.


PMI's handheld IQOS device heats tobacco without burning it, producing vapor but not smoke or ash. PMFTC brought IQOS to the Philippines in 2020.


PMI has announced that this investment will create 220 job openings and utilize tobacco plants grown in the Philippines.


It is estimated that over 20% of adults in the Philippines smoke, which is a higher percentage compared to Japan.


Statement:


This article is compiled from third-party information for the purpose of industry discussion and learning.


This article does not reflect the viewpoint of 2FIRSTS, and 2FIRSTS cannot confirm the authenticity or accuracy of the article's content. The article is compiled solely for industry-based communication and research purposes.


Due to limitations in translation ability, the translated article may not accurately express the original content. Please refer to the original article for accuracy.


In regards to any domestic, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, or foreign statements and positions, 2FIRSTS is fully aligned with the Chinese government.


The copyright of the compiled information belongs to the original media and authors. If there is any infringement, please contact us for deletion.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

Special Report | After the Shortage: How the U.S. Vape Market Is Rebuilding Itself
Special Report | After the Shortage: How the U.S. Vape Market Is Rebuilding Itself
After a wave of regulatory crackdowns, the U.S. vaping market is undergoing a deep reshuffle — shortages sparked frenzy, and resupply triggered elimination. Through interviews with industry insiders from both China and the United States, 2Firsts reveals how the American market is rebuilding itself amid turbulence.
Nov.12
South Korea National Assembly Approves Bill to Regulate E-Cigarettes Under Tobacco Law After Nine Years of Debate
South Korea National Assembly Approves Bill to Regulate E-Cigarettes Under Tobacco Law After Nine Years of Debate
South Korea’s National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee passed a long-debated amendment to the Tobacco Business Act on November 26, expanding the legal definition of tobacco to include synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes. The amendment aims to end the regulatory blind spot surrounding such products while ensuring transitional support for vape retailers and a grace period for compliance.
Nov.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russian Lawmaker Sounds Alarm as Teenage Vaping Surges—Female Use Overtakes Male
Russian Lawmaker Sounds Alarm as Teenage Vaping Surges—Female Use Overtakes Male
Russia’s Chair of the State Duma Committee on Youth Policy warns that among 11–14-year-olds, girls now vape at higher rates than boys, a trend he calls “deeply concerning.” He says the spread of nicotine products—especially e-cigarettes—among minors poses a public health risk and warrants continued policy-level interventions.
Oct.17 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
£600,000 of Illegal Goods Seized in West Yorkshire Raids Targeting Vape and Tobacco Laundering
£600,000 of Illegal Goods Seized in West Yorkshire Raids Targeting Vape and Tobacco Laundering
Nearly £600,000 worth of illegal goods were seized in coordinated raids across West Yorkshire as part of Operation Machinize, a nationwide crackdown targeting cash-intensive businesses suspected of laundering money through mini-markets, vape shops, and barbershops.
Nov.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Bhutan to Impose 115% Tax on E-cigarettes Starting January 2026
Bhutan to Impose 115% Tax on E-cigarettes Starting January 2026
The Ministry of Health (MoH) of Bhutan has announced stronger actions to combat the growing threat of e-cigarette use, especially among youth. While no new vaping-related lung collapse cases have been reported since 2024, the MoH confirmed that fiscal and legal reforms are underway to include e-cigarettes in tax and tobacco control laws starting January 2026.
Nov.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai