Japan Tobacco International (JTI) shipment volume was almost unchanged in the six months through June though key-brand shipments rose 3.2 per cent helped by growth in Russia, Turkey and Italy.

Year-on-year market share also grew in most key markets including Turkey, Taiwan, Italy, France and Russia, JT said in a 28 July statement.
In Japan, JT said domestic volume fell due to a record increase last October in the tobacco excise tax and the earthquake in March, which disrupted production and deliveries. Domestic volume for the fiscal year ending March, 2012 at an estimated 102 billion units will meet the previous forecast of between 100 billion and 108 billion units, the company said. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation from the domestic tobacco business at an estimated JPY 241 billion (EUR 2.18 billion) also will meet the prior forecast of as much as JPY 261 billion, JT said.
International shipment volume in the first half of 2011 rose 0.1 per cent to 204.9 billion units, of which so called Global Flagship Brands (GFBs) accounted for 122 billion units, JTI said. There are eight GFB brands, including Winston, Camel, Mild Seven, Benson & Hedges, Silk Cut and LD.
In the three months through June, total shipment volume dipped 0.2 per cent while GFB brands gained 4 per cent. Winston volume rose 4.6 per cent, Camel decreased 0.5 per cent, Mild Seven fell 3.4 per cent and LD gained 13.2 per cent, JT said. (ci)