MALAWI’S sole cigarette manufacturing company, British American Tobacco, has halted production, citing a 40% decline in sales volume. Reacting to the closure of the factory, the Consumer Association has blamed the government for pursuing unfettered liberalisation. It argues that it is better to protect the industries which are already in the country and Malawi cannot hope to attract investors when others are pulling out. BAT buys more than $30-million worth of Malawi tobacco every year.