2023 China E-cigarette Exports Surge to $11.08 billion Amid 21.55% Unit Price Decline

Industry Insight by 2FIRSTS, edited by Sophia
Jan.26.2024
2023 China E-cigarette Exports Surge to $11.08 billion Amid 21.55% Unit Price Decline
China's e-cigarette exports saw significant growth in 2023, reaching $11.08 billion, an increase of 12.48% compared to the previous year.

As the Chinese customs released the e-cigarette export data for December, 2FIRSTS has compiled the data for the period of January to December 2023. The export scale of e-cigarettes from China in 2023 has once again witnessed a significant growth, reaching a total of $11.08 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 12.48%.

 

Total export volume amounted to 233,000 tons, representing a YoY increase of 43.37%.

 

In 2023, China's total e-cigarette exports reached 233,000 tons, representing a staggering growth rate of 43.37% compared to 162,800 tons in 2022.

 

The average export unit price has decreased by 21.55%.

 

However, it is worth noting that despite the strong growth in both the total export value and quantity, the average export unit price of Chinese e-cigarettes in 2023 has declined by 21.55%, dropping from $60.54 per kilogram in 2022 to $47.50 per kilogram.

 

This may reflect the sensitivity of the international market to the prices of e-cigarette products and the price competition strategy adopted by manufacturers to capture market share.

 

Covering 167 countries and regions worldwide, with 10 new destinations added.

 

In 2023, the market coverage of Chinese e-cigarettes has further expanded, with exports reaching a total of 167 countries and regions worldwide, an increase of 10 from the previous year.

 

New destinations that have been added include Afghanistan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, French Saint Martin, Fiji, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cuba, Guam, Dutch Saint Maarten, Canary Islands, Gabon, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, South Sudan, Nicaragua, Samoa, Turkmenistan, Wallis and Futuna, Uganda, and Taiwan, China, among other countries and regions.

 

Exports have been reduced to 14 countries and regions.

 

In 2023, the export of e-cigarettes to 14 countries and regions, including Botswana, the Republic of Congo, Kiribati, Guinea-Bissau, the Cook Islands, Liberia, Martinique, Mauritius, Monaco, Niger, Palau, Seychelles, Saint Lucia, and Brunei, has also been suspended.

 

The export scale of Chinese e-cigarettes continued to experience robust growth in 2023, leading to continuous adjustments in the market landscape. However, the decrease in prices may potentially trigger profound thinking and strategic adjustments within the industry.

 

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

South Korean Lawmaker Jeong Jin-wook Pushes Synthetic Nicotine Vape Probe, Highlighting Supply Chain and Tax Concerns
South Korean Lawmaker Jeong Jin-wook Pushes Synthetic Nicotine Vape Probe, Highlighting Supply Chain and Tax Concerns
South Korean lawmaker Jeong Jin-wook has again called for stronger government action against liquid synthetic nicotine vape manufacturers and sellers, alleging that some businesses may have avoided regulation through product labeling changes and corporate restructuring. According to Newsworks, JNILBO and other Korean reports, Jeong has held his third press conference on the issue, calling for a government-wide investigation. The dispute involves whether synthetic nicotine products should fall under tobacco regulations, tax implications and supply-chain transparency. South Korean government agencies have previously said some estimates of potential tax losses cannot be verified due to limited sales data.
Jul.27
FDA Sued Over Allowing Some Unauthorized Vapes and Nicotine Pouches to Stay on Market
FDA Sued Over Allowing Some Unauthorized Vapes and Nicotine Pouches to Stay on Market
Public health groups, pediatricians and parents sued the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on July 14, 2026, challenging a May enforcement guidance that they say allows unauthorized e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches to remain on the market while applications are under review.
Jul.15
Product | VELO Launches Tomorrowland Limited Edition 2026 as Festival IP Enters Nicotine Pouch Packaging
Product | VELO Launches Tomorrowland Limited Edition 2026 as Festival IP Enters Nicotine Pouch Packaging
BAT’s nicotine pouch brand VELO has introduced the Tomorrowland Limited Edition 2026. Public retail-channel information shows the product has appeared across multiple European online platforms, while Haypp UK has listed related SKUs with a “Coming soon” status. The packaging carries the wording “Official Tomorrowland Partner,” indicating that the collection is part of VELO’s official collaboration with the electronic music festival brand.
Jul.02
Michael Olise’s World Cup Locker-Room Photo Puts Nicotine Pouches in the Sports Business Spotlight
Michael Olise’s World Cup Locker-Room Photo Puts Nicotine Pouches in the Sports Business Spotlight
Several European sports outlets have reported on a suspected nicotine pouch seen in French footballer Michael Olise’s locker photo, bringing football’s long-running “snus” culture back into public view and highlighting brand visibility, product classification and public-health debate around nicotine pouches in sports settings.
News
Jun.25 by 2Firsts Perspectives
FDA Tobacco Proposal Signals Full-Chain Compliance Test for Global E-Cigarette Supply Chains
FDA Tobacco Proposal Signals Full-Chain Compliance Test for Global E-Cigarette Supply Chains
FDA’s proposed foreign tobacco establishment registration and product listing rule remains unfinished, but Accorto told 2Firsts it reflects a shift toward structured oversight similar to medical device and pharmaceutical compliance frameworks. For Chinese and global e-cigarette suppliers, U.S. market access is moving beyond product authorization toward full-chain compliance covering manufacturing, documentation, import control, distribution, retail and marketing discipline.
Special Report
Jul.09
Australian State Targets Illegal Tobacco Retailers With Tougher Closure Powers
Australian State Targets Illegal Tobacco Retailers With Tougher Closure Powers
According to Reuters, Australia’s state of Victoria introduced legislation to give police and the state tobacco licensing regulator stronger powers to shut businesses selling illegal tobacco, with non-compliant operators facing fines of more than A$2.4 million and up to 20 years in prison.
Jun.05