There are times when you marvel at the international prognostication that takes place throughout the industry. From "this will be the way of it soon," to "look for something along these lines" to "regulations are sure to come." In the tobacco industry, it's endless. Then, of course, things really do happen and in a recent example, on Feb. 26, the European Parliament made it official...the revised TPD will bring tight regulations on e-cigs, advertising and labels, combustibles and tobacco flavorings. Inside 77 we offer "China's Great Walloping Tobacco Industry," (Part 1), by Dr. Iqbal Lambat who outlines the basic structure of the Chinese tobacco industry and confirms what many regard as a foregone conclusion...that China, which is now the second-largest economy in the world, will come to overtake the United States and assume the top economic spot in just eight years. China's current rate of growth will likely remain at seven percent, which is more than double that of the Unites States at two-three percent. China's expansion in tobacco is remarkable and is structured on an aggressive "transfer of technology" program with the major tobacco manufacturers. For an industry so steeped in its regional histories and brand origins, the story of growth and international market influence that China represents makes for a compelling read.
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