Introduction to China’s E-Cigarette Export Market
China dominates the global e-cigarette industry, producing over 90% of the world’s vaping products. For businesses in the vape sector, understanding China’s e-cigarette export trends is crucial for strategic planning, especially if you’re sourcing products for your independent e-cigarette store. In this blog, we’ll dive into the latest 2024 export data, analyze historical trends, and provide a 2025 forecast to help you stay ahead in the global vape market. Whether you’re a retailer, distributor, or enthusiast, this guide offers valuable insights into the e-cigarette export landscape.
Historical Context: China’s E-Cigarette Exports in 2023
In April 2023, China’s e-cigarette exports reached a significant milestone, hitting $1.005 billion USD, according to data published on May 24, 2023, by author Chloe. This marked a year-on-year growth of 36.1% compared to April 2022, reflecting a strong post-pandemic demand surge. The month-on-month growth from March 2023 was 5.1%, indicating steady momentum in the first half of the year. This historical data sets the stage for understanding more recent trends and future projections.
Latest 2024 Data: A Snapshot of China’s E-Cigarette Exports
2024 Full-Year Overview
According to a January 2025 report by Tobacco Reporter, China’s e-cigarette exports in 2024 totaled $11 billion USD, a slight decline of 1.1% from 2023’s estimated $11.12 billion. This marks the third consecutive year of decline since the peak of $19 billion in 2021, driven by increasing global regulations on vaping products.
Key Export Markets in 2024
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United States: $3.7 billion (36% of total exports)
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United Kingdom: $1.2 billion
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South Korea: $717 million
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Germany: $677 million
Monthly Insights
More granular data from 2FIRSTS shows that in June 2024, China exported $996 million worth of e-cigarettes, with the US accounting for $318 million. This aligns with the annual trend, highlighting the US as the largest market despite regulatory challenges like FDA restrictions on flavored vapes.
2025 Forecast: What to Expect for China’s E-Cigarette Exports
Current Data Limitations
As of April 10, 2025, specific e-cigarette export data for Q1 2025 is not yet available from the General Administration of Customs of China. However, total trade data for January-February 2025 shows a modest year-on-year growth of 2.3%, with exports reaching $539.9 billion, as reported by ING Think.
Estimation for Early 2025
Using the 2024 proportion of e-cigarette exports to total exports (0.313%, calculated as $11 billion / $3.5 trillion total exports, per MacroTrends), we estimate January-February 2025 e-cigarette exports at approximately $1.69 billion. This is a rough estimate and may vary based on seasonal factors and regulatory changes.
Full-Year 2025 Outlook
Looking ahead, 2025 could see continued challenges due to global regulations, but emerging markets in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa may drive growth. Industry forecasts from Grand View Research suggest the global vape market will grow at a CAGR of 34.2% from 2024 to 2030, potentially benefiting China’s export sector if manufacturers adapt to regulatory demands with innovative products.
Factors Influencing China’s E-Cigarette Exports
Global Regulatory Pressures
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United States: The FDA’s stringent regulations, including bans on flavored vapes, have impacted exports, as noted in a Reuters report.
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European Union: EU countries are increasingly adopting bans on disposable vapes, affecting demand.
Domestic Policies in China
China’s own regulations, such as the Electronic Cigarette Management Measures implemented in November 2022, have restricted domestic sales, pushing manufacturers to focus on exports, according to Tobacco Reporter.
Opportunities in Emerging Markets
Regions like Southeast Asia and the Middle East are showing increased demand for vaping products, offering potential growth opportunities for Chinese exporters.
Data Table: China E-Cigarette Export Trends
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Time Period
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E-Cigarette Export Value (USD Billion)
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Year-on-Year Change
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Notes
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|---|---|---|---|
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April 2023
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1.005
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+36.1%
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From provided data, converted
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|
2024 Full Year
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11.0
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-1.1%
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Latest available, from customs
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|
2025 Jan-Feb (Est)
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1.69 (Jan-Feb only)
|
–
|
Estimated, based on proportion
|
