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

UK HMRC Plans 30,000 Retail Enforcement Actions as Illegal Tobacco and Vape Sellers Face Tougher Crackdown
UK HMRC Plans 30,000 Retail Enforcement Actions as Illegal Tobacco and Vape Sellers Face Tougher Crackdown
The UK government has announced that HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will carry out more than 30,000 interventions targeting businesses and retail premises during the 2026-2027 financial year. The actions will focus on tax fraud, illegal goods sales and businesses involved in unlawful activities through retail channels. The government said illegal tobacco and illegal vape sales remain areas of concern. The move shows that UK enforcement against illegal nicotine products is expanding from import and supply channels toward retail-level oversight, alongside the upcoming introduction of the Vaping Products Duty.
Jul.24
Canadian Court Allows Juul and Altria Vape Class Action to Move Forward Over Youth Marketing Claims
Canadian Court Allows Juul and Altria Vape Class Action to Move Forward Over Youth Marketing Claims
A Quebec Superior Court has allowed a class action lawsuit against Juul Labs and Altria Group related to vaping products to proceed, involving allegations concerning marketing practices, youth exposure and corporate responsibility. The ruling only allows the case to move forward and does not represent a finding that Juul or Altria are legally liable. The case highlights continued legal risks facing vape companies regarding product marketing, youth protection and corporate accountability.
Jul.28
Australia Brings in Deloitte to Support Illicit Tobacco and Vape Enforcement Across Data, Processes and Project Delivery
Australia Brings in Deloitte to Support Illicit Tobacco and Vape Enforcement Across Data, Processes and Project Delivery
Australia’s Department of Home Affairs has hired Deloitte to provide data analytics, business-process, communications and project-delivery support to the Office of the Illicit Tobacco and E-Cigarette Commissioner. The government says Deloitte personnel do not provide policy advice to the Commissioner or the Australian government, with policy development and decision-making remaining with public officials. The arrangement has nevertheless drawn scrutiny because Deloitte has previously provided professional services to several tobacco and vaping companies.
Sep.03
2FIRSTS EXCLUSIVE|China Breaks Up $6.8 Million Illegal Hookah Tobacco Operation as Market Expands
2FIRSTS EXCLUSIVE|China Breaks Up $6.8 Million Illegal Hookah Tobacco Operation as Market Expands
Chinese authorities have dismantled an illegal hookah tobacco operation worth more than 46 million yuan ($6.8 million), detaining five foreign suspects and seizing over 500,000 boxes of tobacco paste. The case comes as hookah expands across China’s nightlife sector and attracts overseas operators, including former vaping entrepreneurs. It also raises a central regulatory question: whether waterpipe tobacco will follow China’s private-sector e-cigarette licensing model or be reserved for the state tobacco system, as with nicotine pouches, in the years ahead.
Jul.31
Senate Democrat Wyden Probes Trump Administration Vape Policy Shift, Seeks Records From HHS and Reynolds American
Senate Democrat Wyden Probes Trump Administration Vape Policy Shift, Seeks Records From HHS and Reynolds American
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, the Democratic ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, has launched an investigation into flavored vape policy changes and requested records from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Reynolds American and Botanic Tonics. The investigation focuses on a timeline involving Reynolds American’s $5 million donation to MAGA Inc. in April 2026 and subsequent vape policy developments. Wyden said the review aims to examine potential links between political donations, corporate communications and government decisions. The investigation does not represent a finding of wrongdoing.
Innovation
Aug.07 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Spain Plans to Extend Smoking Ban to Terraces and Beaches, Bringing Vapes Under New Restrictions
Spain Plans to Extend Smoking Ban to Terraces and Beaches, Bringing Vapes Under New Restrictions
Spain is advancing a new tobacco-control reform that would expand smoking restrictions to additional public spaces, including restaurant terraces and beaches, while bringing vaping and other nicotine products into the same regulatory framework. The proposed measures aim to reduce secondhand smoke exposure, protect young people and expand smoke-free environments. The proposal remains under legislative development, and final implementation details have not yet been confirmed.
Jul.23