Rising Trend: China’s Nicotine Pouch Exports Surge 500% in December 2024, Primarily Driven by the U.S. Market

Feb.17.2025
Rising Trend: China’s Nicotine Pouch Exports Surge 500% in December 2024, Primarily Driven by the U.S. Market
In 2024, China’s total export value for nicotine pouch products reached $589,942, signaling the beginning of a new market segment for the country. The export value saw significant fluctuations throughout the year, with the most notable surge occurring in December, when exports skyrocketed to $389,136—an over 500% increase from previous months.

April 2024 Marks First Major Export Milestone for China’s Nicotine Pouch Products

 

In 2024, China’s total export value for nicotine pouch products reached $589,942, signaling the beginning of a new market segment for the country. The export value saw significant fluctuations throughout the year, with the most notable surge occurring in December, when exports skyrocketed to $389,136—an over 500% increase from previous months.

 

Rising Trend: China’s Nicotine Pouch Exports Surge 500% in December 2024, Primarily Driven by the U.S. Market
Monthly Trends of Nicotine Pouch Exports by Chinese Customs in 2024 | Visualization: 2Firsts

 

 

Steady Growth from June to October: 66,838 USD in July Leads the Charge

 

From June to October, the export value steadily increased, with July and August seeing the highest levels at $66,838 and $50,124, respectively. This growth period reflects the increasing demand and acceptance of nicotine pouches in international markets, marking a transition from a slow start in the earlier months of 2024.

 

 

U.S. Dominates: 97% of Exports Go to the U.S. Market

 

The U.S. stands out as the primary destination for China’s nicotine pouch exports, absorbing 96.99% of the total export volume. This dominance highlights the central role the U.S. market plays in the growth of this new product category. Other countries, including South Korea (0.63%), South Africa (1.12%), and the U.K. (1.26%), make up a much smaller portion of the exports.

 

Rising Trend: China’s Nicotine Pouch Exports Surge 500% in December 2024, Primarily Driven by the U.S. Market
2024 China Customs Export Distribution of Nicotine Pouches by Destination Country  | Visualization: 2Firsts

 

Shandong Leads the Way: 58.34% of Exports Originating from the Region

 

The data reveals that Shandong Province leads in terms of production and export volume, contributing 58.34% of the total exports. Chongqing City follows closely with 28.80%, while Guangdong Province accounts for just 12.86%. These figures underscore the regional distribution of production capabilities and export activity in China.

 

Rising Trend: China’s Nicotine Pouch Exports Surge 500% in December 2024, Primarily Driven by the U.S. Market
2024 China Customs Export Distribution of Nicotine Pouches by Export Registration Location  | Visualization: 2Firsts

 

Rising Trend: China’s Nicotine Pouch Exports Surge 500% in December 2024, Primarily Driven by the U.S. Market
Sankey Diagram of Export Registration Location vs. Trade Destination Countries Visualization: 2Firsts

 

2025 Outlook: Stronger Demand Expected Following December’s 500% Surge

 

The sharp rise in exports in December could indicate a growing demand for nicotine pouches in 2025. The industry’s potential lies not only in the U.S. market but also in expanding into other regions, as global acceptance of tobacco harm reduction products increases. However, the reliance on the U.S. market presents a risk, as regulatory changes or shifts in consumer behavior could impact future growth.

 

U.S. FDA: Youth E-Cigarette Prevention Campaign Prevented About 444,000 Initiations and Reduced Illegal Vape Sales
U.S. FDA: Youth E-Cigarette Prevention Campaign Prevented About 444,000 Initiations and Reduced Illegal Vape Sales
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said its youth e-cigarette prevention campaign, “The Real Cost,” prevented about 444,000 U.S. youth from starting e-cigarette use between 2023 and 2024 and blocked more than $42 million in unauthorized e-cigarette sales that would have been used by youth.
Market
Jun.25
From Heating Blades to Heating Paper? CTHB Patent Points to Microwave Heated Tobacco Design
From Heating Blades to Heating Paper? CTHB Patent Points to Microwave Heated Tobacco Design
According to China’s patent office records, a patent owned by China Tobacco Hubei Industrial Corporation (CTHB) for “cigarette paper and a cigarette for microwave heating” was granted on May 19, 2026. The patent describes cigarette paper with an outer wrapping layer, a heating layer, and an isolation heat-conducting layer, allowing it to absorb microwave energy, convert it to heat, and transfer that heat to the aerosol-generating substrate.
Jun.10
 BAT Raises Growth Outlook for Smokeless Products as Velo and Vuse Gain Momentum
BAT Raises Growth Outlook for Smokeless Products as Velo and Vuse Gain Momentum
British American Tobacco (BAT) has raised its growth outlook for smokeless products, forecasting “mid-teens” growth for its new category portfolio, including vaping and nicotine pouch products, while global cigarette volumes are expected to decline further.
BAT
Jun.02
South Korea Rejects 16 Trillion Won Tax-Evasion Claim Over Chinese Synthetic Nicotine
South Korea Rejects 16 Trillion Won Tax-Evasion Claim Over Chinese Synthetic Nicotine
The South Korean government rejected allegations that Chinese synthetic-nicotine e-liquids were linked to about 16 trillion won in tobacco tax evasion, saying China does not ban synthetic nicotine exports and the estimate is difficult to verify, while acknowledging that pre-law synthetic-nicotine inventory is effectively difficult to tax.
Market
Jun.25
French Vape Distributor Kumulus Vape Yields About 3% as Earnings Growth Stalls
French Vape Distributor Kumulus Vape Yields About 3% as Earnings Growth Stalls
Listed French vape distributor Kumulus Vape will trade ex-dividend on June 26, 2026, and pay an annual dividend of €0.10 per share on June 30, with Simply Wall St saying the payout is covered by profit and free cash flow, while weak earnings growth remains a concern.
Industry InsightMarketNews
Jun.24
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary Resigns After Opposing Trump Administration’s Flavored Vape Push
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary Resigns After Opposing Trump Administration’s Flavored Vape Push
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary resigned on May 12 after opposing the Trump administration’s push to authorize fruit-flavored vaping products, according to reporting by The New York Times. Makary reportedly objected over concerns that flavored vapes could attract young people and refused to support broader approvals.
News
May.13