By Timothy S. Donahue
Top Takeaways:
- Largest buyer: PMFTC purchased 8.3 million kilograms of Philippine-grown tobacco in 2025, representing about 69% of all leaf delivered to manufacturers.
- Demand signal: The National Tobacco Administration says that existing inventories have largely been absorbed and is encouraging farmers to expand planting for the next crop.
- Supply chain support: PMFTC said it will continue to invest in local sourcing and partnerships with Philippine tobacco growers.
Philip Morris Philippines Inc. (PMFTC) strengthened its position as the archipelago nation’s largest buyer of domestically grown tobacco in 2025, increasing its leaf purchases as regulators encourage farmers to expand production ahead of the next growing season.
According to company figures, PMFTC, the Philippine affiliate of Philip Morris International, purchased 8.297 million kilograms of locally produced tobacco in 2025—about 69% of the 12.1 million kilograms of tobacco delivered to manufacturers that year.
The total reflects another increase in local sourcing, following PMFTC purchases of 7.495 million kilograms in 2024, or about 63% of domestic deliveries, and 7.189 million kilograms in 2023, representing roughly 56% of tobacco supplied to manufacturers.
“We remain committed to support the livelihood of thousands of Filipino tobacco farmers in the country,” PMFTC President Zhenya Ivanov told media. “We recognize the vital role that tobacco farmers play in our supply chain and in the communities where they operate. As the leading leaf buyer, we remain committed to contribute to the growth of the Philippine agriculture sector and generate economic activity for the country.”
The announcement comes as the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) urges growers to plant earlier than usual to mitigate the potential effects of an expected El Niño dry spell. The agency said that existing tobacco inventories from the previous harvest have largely been absorbed, creating favorable conditions for the upcoming crop.
“Tobacco remains an important cash crop for thousands of Filipino farmers and their families,” NTA President and CEO Belinda Sanchez said. “We welcome PMFTC’s continued support for the industry, having purchased the majority of the country’s locally produced tobacco leaf over the past three years. This provides our growers with a stable and reliable market for their harvests.”
The regulator has also continued to encourage growers to participate in contract-growing programs, which it says provide guaranteed markets, technical support and production assistance while helping manufacturers secure stable supplies of quality leaf.
PMFTC said it plans to continue collaborating with growers, trading partners and government agencies to strengthen the country’s tobacco supply chain.
“Philippine tobacco farming depends on strong partnerships across the value chain,” Ivanov said. “We will continue investing in long-term relationships with local growers to help ensure that Philippine tobacco remains competitive both locally and internationally.”
