Complaint Filed by JTI Against Egyptian Tobacco Monopoly

BusinessJTI by 2FIRSTS.ai

Nov.21.2023

Complaint Filed by JTI Against Egyptian Tobacco Monopoly

Japan Tobacco International (JTI) has lodged a complaint against Egypt's leading tobacco producer, Eastern Company, accusing it of monopolizing the market.

According to Shafaqna news, Japan Tobacco International (JTI) has filed a complaint with the Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA), alleging that the largest tobacco producer in Egypt, Eastern Company, holds a monopoly position in the market.

A senior insider has alleged that the complaint involves 日烟国际's brand, Golden Coast, which is in direct competition with low-priced cigarettes provided by the Oriental Corporation in the Egyptian market.

According to sources, Japan Tobacco International previously manufactured the brand at its factory in Turkey and imported and sold it in Egypt. However, the recent tax amendment imposes value-added tax on low-priced cigarettes, preventing Japan Tobacco International from importing the brand and limiting its sales to local production.

Over the past year, the Egyptian cigarette market has witnessed several controversial events. This includes the issuance of new licenses to Eastern Company, the sole government-owned manufacturer, after several decades, as well as the sale of a 30% stake in the Eastern Company to a global investment holding company for 625 million dollars.

References:

[1] JTI accuses Eastern Company of monopoly in cigarette market

Also Read:

[1] JTI Greece Plans €3 Billion Investment in HTPs

[2] JTI Expands International Investments in HNB Tobacco Market

[3] JTI: Not in Disposable Game Yet, Exploring Opportunities in Nicotine Pouch

#Traditional tobacco #Market #Africa #Egypt #JTI

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

Vietnam’s Health Ministry Proposes Including E-Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco in the Investment Law Ban List

Vietnam’s Ministry of Health has submitted a proposal to the Government Office recommending that “e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products” be added to the list of prohibited investment and business sectors in the amended Investment Law. The proposal aligns with National Assembly Resolution No. 173/2024/QH15, which bans the production, trade, import, and use of these products starting in 2025.

Nov.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai

U.S. Chicago CBP Seizes $358,000 Worth of Illegal Vapes

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Chicago seized 43,200 illicit vaping products valued at over $358,000 for violating the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The shipment originated from China and was destined for Mississippi.

Nov.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Indonesia’s Statistics Agency: Bali Leads Nation in E-Cigarette Use; Urban Usage Climbing Sharply

Indonesia’s statistics agency (BPS) reports in its latest publication, Statistics of People’s Welfare 2025, that Bali has the highest share of daily e-cigarette users at 1.66%, followed by East Kalimantan (1.59%) and the Special Region of Yogyakarta (1.24%). Daily vaping prevalence is higher in urban areas (0.77%) than in rural areas (0.53%).

Oct.16

Poll Shows Britons Favor Regulation Over Bans on Nicotine Pouches

A new poll commissioned by We Vape UK reveals that most Britons favor regulation — not prohibition — of nicotine pouches. The survey shows broad public support for harm-reduction policies and frustration with weak government regulation, contrasting sharply with Ireland’s recent decision to ban disposable vapes and impose strict limits on nicotine products.