U.S. tobacco giant Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE: MO) announced a 3.9% increase to its quarterly dividend, lifting the payout to $1.06 per share and bringing the annualized dividend to $4.24. Investment bank Stifel on August 21 maintained its “Buy” rating and raised its price target from $65 to $72. Backed by strong free cash flow, Altria expects to maintain mid-single-digit dividend growth going forward.

The head of the tourism bureau of Indonesia's Batam Island said that Singapore's decision to crack down on e-cigarettes and treat them as a "drug issue" might boost cross-border travel, as Singaporeans may head to Batam, just an hour's ferry ride away. Batam Island has already benefited from Singapore's previous strict regulations.

Philip Morris International (PMI) South Africa calls for scientific regulation of e-cigarettes to promote tobacco harm reduction.

Brazilian lung doctor warns of the dangers of nicotine in e-cigarettes, highlighting the increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

Philip Morris International (PMI) leases 150,000 square feet warehouse near Denver International Airport to support ZYN expansion.

From September 1st, Singapore will enforce stricter e-cigarette regulations. E-cigarettes with etomidate ("Kpods") will be Class C drugs. Suppliers face up to 20 years in prison and 15 cane strokes. Regular e-cigarette users risk fines and mandatory rehab. Violating foreigners may be deported. The government will also conduct large-scale enforcement and awareness campaigns, increasing inspections in schools, public areas, and airports.

Malaysian police have busted a criminal syndicate distributing the new-type drug MDMA and seized e-cigarette vape oil and related items worth approximately RM1.48 million (about USD 352,000). Nine suspects were arrested, including a Thai woman. The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act.

Between 2022 and 2024, Singapore recorded an average of 3,100 student vaping cases each year, including about 800 annually in tertiary institutions, far above the fewer than 50 cases reported before 2020. Since March, ~260 schools have been issued nicotine testing kits, and from September 1, schools will impose stricter disciplinary measures. Concurrently, authorities will intensify enforcement across public spaces, the military and borders, with Kpods (etomidate-containing e-cigs) to be treated

An initiative to impose a full ban on e-cigarettes, proposed by the governor of the Nizhny Novgorod region and supported by President Vladimir Putin, has sparked wide discussion in the Russian city of Ufa. According to a SuperJob survey conducted among employed residents of the city from August 23 to 25, 2025, 69% of respondents supported a complete ban on the sale of e-cigarettes.

A new Texas law that bans the sale of e-cigarettes containing ingredients manufactured in China will take effect on September 1. U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison rejected a request for a temporary restraining order from industry groups. The law also prohibits the sale of devices or packaging that could appeal to minors and products containing or marketed as containing cannabinoids, alcohol, and other substances. Violators will face up to one year in jail and fines of up to $4,000 per offense.