Global E-Cigarette Industry Weekly Report (12.18-12.24)

Industry Insight by 2FIRSTS
Dec.25.2023
Global E-Cigarette Industry Weekly Report (12.18-12.24)
In 2023, e-cigarettes with screens are rapidly rising in popularity, with companies claiming non-screen e-cigarettes are nearly unsellable.

In 2023, e-cigarettes equipped with displays have rapidly gained popularity in the market, with some companies even claiming that e-cigarettes without screens are almost impossible to sell. Recently, 2FIRSTS conducted an in-depth exploration of the reasons behind the rise of display screens in e-cigarettes, based on a review of their evolution and market feedback.

 

In the month of November, the export value of e-cigarettes from China reached approximately $941 million, marking an 8.55% increase compared to the previous month but a 1.89% decline compared to the same period last year. The export volume amounted to around 22,400 tons, reflecting an 8.37% monthly increase and a significant year-on-year growth of 30.18%.

 

In November, China's export of e-cigarettes to the United States amounted to approximately $267 million, showing a month-on-month increase of 4.34% and a year-on-year increase of 7.66%. The export volume reached about 607 tons, exhibiting a month-on-month growth of 2.20% and a year-on-year growth of 23.30%.

 

According to informed sources, the largest hub port in the United States, Chicago, is currently conducting a rigorous inspection of e-cigarette shipments. Over a hundred tons of e-cigarettes have already been seized, and the reason for confiscation is believed to be related to FDA regulations.

 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States has announced that it has collaborated with the US Customs and Border Protection to seize approximately 1.4 million unauthorized e-cigarette products, estimated to be worth over $18 million.

 

A group of American senators has written a joint letter to the FDA, urging it to reform the PMTA process. They are also requesting the agency to provide information regarding its policies and actions to ensure that it can take effective measures based on science and evidence.

 

China Tobacco Hong Kong (CTHK) has released its annual positive profit announcement for the year 2023. The announcement reveals that CTHK expects a net profit increase of over 50% for its parent company in 2023.

 

British American Tobacco will launch the Vuse Go 700 zero-nicotine product in Japan, with plans to simultaneously stock it in 2,300 FamilyMart convenience stores in Tokyo.

 

The head of HQD's distribution business in Russia showcased the company's best-selling products, including the HQD ULTIMA PRO and HQD Click, at the e-cigarette exhibition in Russia. Additionally, HQD announced plans to launch a new e-cigarette product with a built-in display screen next year.

 

More than a year after the implementation of the e-cigarette ban in Mexico, there are still 1.7 million e-cigarette users, and it remains easily accessible in the market, with prices as low as 50 Chinese yuan in some regions.

 

The academic forum titled "Brand Empowering the International Communication of Chinese Brands in Southeast Asia along the Belt and Road" was successfully held at Yunnan University of Finance and Economics. Zhao Tong, co-founder and CEO of 2FIRSTS, was invited as a representative of international media to participate in the forum and delivered a speech on the topic "Opportunities and Challenges for Chinese Atomization Brands in Southeast Asian Expansion". He provided a detailed analysis of the current situation in Southeast Asia's atomization market, discussed the opportunities and challenges in the current Southeast Asian market, and put forward corresponding strategies and recommendations.

 

Zhu Hongxu, the editor-in-chief of 2FIRSTS International, delivered a speech at the forum of the VAPE CLUB Russia exhibition, where he provided a in-depth analysis of the global market's product trends and development path for the year 2023. In addition, he also made predictions regarding the Russian market for the year 2024.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

China Tobacco Plans CNY 60 Billion Investment in ICBC, Agricultural Bank as Strategic Ties Extend Beyond Equity
China Tobacco Plans CNY 60 Billion Investment in ICBC, Agricultural Bank as Strategic Ties Extend Beyond Equity
China National Tobacco Corporation and several subsidiaries plan to invest a combined CNY 60 billion ($8.7 billion) in share placements by Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and Agricultural Bank of China as strategic investors. The agreements extend beyond equity investment to corporate governance, banking services and supply-chain finance. The filings also disclose 2025 data on China Tobacco’s tax and profit contributions and industry scale.
Sep.07
Philip Morris Malaysia Again Meets Religious Authority Over Cigarette Alternatives as Perlis Mufti Responds on Halal Criteria
Philip Morris Malaysia Again Meets Religious Authority Over Cigarette Alternatives as Perlis Mufti Responds on Halal Criteria
Philip Morris Malaysia Managing Director Naeem Shahab Khan met Perlis Mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin on September 17 and presented the company's shift from conventional cigarettes toward alternative products. The mufti said a product could be considered halal if it is clean, its side effects are not harmful or can be controlled, and it does not involve excessive waste. His remarks did not mention IQOS or any other specific PMI product and did not amount to a new product-specific religious ruling. It was at least the second publicly reported engagement between Philip Morris Malaysia and a Malaysian religious institution over cigarette alternatives within six months.
Regulations
Sep.18 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Kuwait Tightens Tobacco and Nicotine Rules, Bans Under-21 Sales and Extends Public Smoking Restrictions to Vapes and Heated Tobacco
Kuwait Tightens Tobacco and Nicotine Rules, Bans Under-21 Sales and Extends Public Smoking Restrictions to Vapes and Heated Tobacco
Kuwait has issued a comprehensive new regulatory framework covering tobacco, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco and other nicotine products. Ministerial Decision No. 237 of 2026, signed by Health Minister Ahmad Al-Awadhi, will take effect on January 1, 2027. The rules prohibit sales to people under 21 and ban sales through websites, apps, social media and delivery services. E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products will also be treated as smoking in public and enclosed places where smoking is prohibited. Nicotine pouches and other oral nicotine products not registered as medicines are banned.
Regulations
Aug.17 by 2Firsts Perspectives
UK PM Andy Burnham Reshapes Vape Retail Rules as Licensing Could Raise Barriers for New Shops
UK PM Andy Burnham Reshapes Vape Retail Rules as Licensing Could Raise Barriers for New Shops
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is pushing a high street reform agenda that could give local authorities greater powers over commercial activity, including vape retail. The reforms could involve expanded planning powers and a potential vape retail licensing system, allowing councils to play a larger role in store locations and market access. The measures are part of the UK’s broader shift toward tighter vape regulation, although no nationwide vape retail restrictions have yet been implemented.
Aug.11
BAT CFO Dragos Constantinescu Takes Office, Returning After Seven Years and Former Asahi Europe Leadership Role
BAT CFO Dragos Constantinescu Takes Office, Returning After Seven Years and Former Asahi Europe Leadership Role
Dragos Constantinescu has officially taken up his role as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director at British American Tobacco (BAT). He previously spent 16 years at BAT across finance and general management roles in Europe before joining Asahi in 2019 and becoming CEO of Asahi Europe & International in 2025. His return comes as BAT continues to advance its “A Better Tomorrow” transformation.
BAT
Sep.01
Australia’s Victoria Steps Up Illegal Tobacco Enforcement With Store Closures and Penalties of Up to A$2.5 Million
Australia’s Victoria Steps Up Illegal Tobacco Enforcement With Store Closures and Penalties of Up to A$2.5 Million
Australia’s state of Victoria has activated new powers allowing Tobacco Licensing Victoria and police to shut premises suspected of selling, supplying or possessing illicit tobacco for up to 90 days. Longer closures can be ordered by a magistrates’ court. Businesses subject to closure orders must generally cease all trading and will be placed on a public list. Breaching a closure order can carry penalties of up to A$2.5 million and 20 years in prison.
Sep.10