Tobacco would be the other product that is both highly taxed and highly restricted by almost every country in the World. The World market is not that cut and dried. These are not third World countries or impoverished countries either, as Italy and Spain are two examples of State Monopolies are very much alive today in controlling their markets. Controlling imports, exports, protection of home market products, religion, politics and outflow of hard currency are other reasons. That simple process of maker to user works fine in local markets for very small producers, however it is next to impossible to function that way in international markets or in any volume, even in a domestic market.
All parts work in partnership for the benefit of the product and all are important.
Out of the three the wholesaler or distributor is by far the most important. The full time job of the manufacturer or maker is to produce the product. Modern Dunhill pipes are turned in France with minor turnings in UK and Denmark, their rod stock vulcanite comes from Germany, silver work is contracted to Les Woods generally. There is no pipemaker or pipe manufacturer that produces all of the materials, machines, raw products or supplies that they use to product their line. Time and effort is required to source the raw materials, everything from wax to drill bits.