Despite historic and forecast global declines, the tobacco industry in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is anticipated to continue growing. More price-sensitive consumers continue to substitute between price bands, as many cigarette brands have increased in price. During the pandemic PMI opened its first retail outlet within the Gulf, as the ban on heated tobacco products was lifted in April 2019. They will also need to continue investing more in alternative tobacco products such as e-vapour products and heated tobacco. Tobacco smokers have not just exhibited downtrading, but also out-switching – both intra- and inter-industry substitution, which has squeezed premium cigarettes.

Source: The North Africa Journal June 09, 2022 09:59 UTC