China’s E-cigarette Exports Reach $1.694 Billion in Jan–Feb 2026; U.S., UK, Germany Lead, Japan Rises to Fourth

Mar.20
China Customs Administration released e-cigarette export data for January and February 2025, showing varied monthly performances in 2026.In January, the export value was $940 million, a decrease of 6.2% compared to January 2025's $1.02 billion. In February, the export value was $754 million, a 51.2% increase compared to February 2025's $498 million.

2Firsts, March 20, 2026.

 

The General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China has released the export data for e-cigarettes for January and February 2025. Based on the monthly performance, there is a clear trend of differentiation in e-cigarette exports in 2026.

 

In January, the export value was $940 million, a decrease of 6.2% compared to January 2025's $1.02 billion. 

In February, the export value was $754 million, a 51.2% increase compared to February 2025's $498 million.

 

Total exports for January and February 2026 amounted to approximately US$1.694 billion.

 

The United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany remain in the top three, with an increasing influence in the Asian market.

 

In January and February, Chinese e-cigarette exports continued to be concentrated in the top markets, with North America and Europe continuing to dominate the overall market structure.

 

  • The United States remains the largest market with exports totaling approximately $563 million 
  • United Kingdom with around $173 million in exports, ranking second
  • Germany comes in third with exports totaling around $108 million
  • Japan has moved up to fourth place with $85.55 million in exports
  • Russia and the United Arab Emirates maintain stable export volumes with $80.42 million and $78.74 million respectively.
  • South Korea and Malaysia continue to hold their positions in the top ten with exports of $69.51 million and $52.82 million respectively. 
  • Canada and Indonesia have entered the top ten rankings with exports of $45.27 million and $40.49 million respectively.

 

Structural changes: concentration remains high, regional differentiation continues.

 

From an overall structure perspective, the exports in the first two months of 2026 exhibit the following characteristics:

 

  • The United States continues to drive the market, with significant impact on overall export fluctuations. 
  • The European market remains stable, with the UK and Germany maintaining their core positions. 
  • The Asian market is gaining market share, with Japan performing exceptionally well and Southeast Asia remaining active. 
  • The Middle East's re-export function continues, with the UAE maintaining its role as a regional hub.

 

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

JTI Korea Introduces Ploom AURA With Four Heating Modes and Four Device Colors
JTI Korea Introduces Ploom AURA With Four Heating Modes and Four Device Colors
JTI Korea announced that its next-generation heated tobacco device Ploom AURA will officially launch in South Korea on April 14. The company held a media event on March 31 at the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul Hotel to unveil the product in Korea for the first time.
Apr.01 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Austria to Tighten Sales Rules for Nicotine Pouches and E-Liquids From April 1
Austria to Tighten Sales Rules for Nicotine Pouches and E-Liquids From April 1
Austria will introduce new sales rules for nicotine products from April 1, 2026. Under a reform of the tobacco law passed in December 2025, nicotine pouches will in future be sold only through tobacco shops, while e-liquids will be sold only through tobacco shops and licensed specialist stores. Other points of sale will no longer be permitted to sell these products.
Mar.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philippines Draft Order Would Bring Nicotine Pouches Under PS Licensing Scheme
Philippines Draft Order Would Bring Nicotine Pouches Under PS Licensing Scheme
The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry is planning to impose mandatory product certification on nicotine pouches in an effort to curb illicit nicotine product trade.
Apr.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Seoul to Fine Use of Liquid E-Cigarettes in No-Smoking Areas From April 24
Seoul to Fine Use of Liquid E-Cigarettes in No-Smoking Areas From April 24
Seoul will begin fining the use of all tobacco products, including liquid e-cigarettes, in no-smoking areas from April 24, when the revised Tobacco Business Act takes effect.
Apr.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Retailers Call on Government to Better Resource Trading Standards to Fight Illicit Tobacco and Vape Trade
UK Retailers Call on Government to Better Resource Trading Standards to Fight Illicit Tobacco and Vape Trade
Retailers in the UK have called on the government to provide greater resources to Trading Standards in response to the growing trade in illicit tobacco and vapes. Fed national vice-president Hemanshu Patel made the call during a panel discussion at the National Convenience Show in Birmingham on April 15.
Apr.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Nicotine Beyond Tobacco? Cell Study Signals Emerging Shift in Production Systems
Nicotine Beyond Tobacco? Cell Study Signals Emerging Shift in Production Systems
Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences reconstructed nicotine biosynthesis in non-tobacco plants and yeast systems, highlighting how advances in synthetic biology could gradually reshape future nicotine production technologies and challenge regulatory frameworks built around tobacco-derived definitions.
Special Report
May.07