Tobacco stocks fall after Reuters reports on delays to US nicotine pouch fast-track scheme

British American Tobacco P.l.c

01/04/2026 15:32

** Shares of tobacco firms fall after a Reuters report that popular nicotine pouch products have yet to be cleared for sale in the United States despite a fast-track FDA scheme

** Philip Morris International PM.N falls 6.3% to its lowest since early Jan

** Turning Point Brands TPB.N slumps 20.5% to its lowest since May 2025 and Altria MO.N drops 2.3%

** The U.S. health agency's scientists are hesitating to authorize pouches due to potential risks to new users, including children, sources told Reuters

** Hold-ups seen as a setback for firms such as PM, which has pending applications for newer versions of its Zyn brand, and British American Tobacco BATS.L with its Velo label

 (Reporting by Tharuniyaa Lakshmi in Bengaluru)

 ((tharuniyaa@thomsonreuters.com))