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

After Apple Business Decline, South Korea’s ITM Semiconductor Expands KT&G Vape Supply Chain as Vape Revenue Rises 24.8%
After Apple Business Decline, South Korea’s ITM Semiconductor Expands KT&G Vape Supply Chain as Vape Revenue Rises 24.8%
South Korean electronics component supplier ITM Semiconductor is reshaping its business portfolio after a decline in Apple-related protection circuit business, expanding its supply of vape devices and cartridges to KT&G. According to News1 on August 18, 2026, ITM’s vape-related revenue rose 24.8% year on year to 75.5 billion won in the first half of 2026. The company began mass production of vape devices at its Cikarang, Indonesia facility in January 2026, strengthening export manufacturing capacity. Meanwhile, Samsung-related protection circuit sales continued to grow, providing support during the transition.
Aug.20
 $20 Million, a Permanent Injunction and Distributor Controls: Posh Deal Tightens Illinois Vape Compliance
$20 Million, a Permanent Injunction and Distributor Controls: Posh Deal Tightens Illinois Vape Compliance
An Illinois court ordered three companies tied to Posh vapes to pay $20 million and permanently restricted the sale, marketing and distribution in Illinois of products lacking required FDA authorization. The consent order also imposes downstream distributor controls, age-verification measures and social-media marketing limits, creating a new state-level compliance benchmark for disposable vape businesses.
Regulations
Aug.05
Product | DOJO Launches BLAST10K Fresh in UK With 0+10ml E-Liquid Structure, Retaining 2+8ml Pod Compatibility
Product | DOJO Launches BLAST10K Fresh in UK With 0+10ml E-Liquid Structure, Retaining 2+8ml Pod Compatibility
DOJO launched the BLAST10K Fresh in the UK on September 4, 2026, introducing its INSTA-JUICED™ technology and a new 0+10ml structure that keeps e-liquid separated from the coil before activation. The device features a 1000mAh rechargeable battery, COREX BLAST dual-mesh technology and SSS leak-resistant technology, with a manufacturer-rated capacity of up to 10,000 puffs. It also retains compatibility with existing 2+8ml pods across the BLAST ecosystem. The launch introduces eight new flavors, including Matcha Strawberry, which DOJO describes as an industry first.
Market
Sep.04
BAT’s Velo Study Finds 61% of Nicotine Users Feel More Comfortable Expressing Themselves When Others Do the Same
BAT’s Velo Study Finds 61% of Nicotine Users Feel More Comfortable Expressing Themselves When Others Do the Same
British American Tobacco’s (BAT) nicotine pouch brand Velo has released a global consumer study and launched its “Echoes of Tomorrowland” campaign with electronic music festival brand Tomorrowland. The research surveyed 2,009 nicotine users across the UK, Spain, Pakistan, Poland and Austria. Velo said 61% of respondents feel more comfortable expressing themselves when they see others doing the same, while 39% said building meaningful connections becomes harder with age. The campaign reflects how nicotine pouch brands are increasingly using music, communities and lifestyle marketing to build consumer engagement.
Aug.10
2Firsts Exclusive Analysis | RLX Q2 Revenue Rises 14.8%, Company Takes Control of Western European Distributor and Expands Multi-Category Strategy
2Firsts Exclusive Analysis | RLX Q2 Revenue Rises 14.8%, Company Takes Control of Western European Distributor and Expands Multi-Category Strategy
business accounting for 68.5% of sales. A new controlling investment in a Western European distributor and plans to scale modern oral nicotine pouches point to a broader international strategy spanning channels and multiple product categories.
Special Report
Aug.14
As Regulators Focus on Nicotine Pouch Child Safety, Safeguard Pursues an External Packaging Route
As Regulators Focus on Nicotine Pouch Child Safety, Safeguard Pursues an External Packaging Route
As regulators pay closer attention to child safety in nicotine pouches, manufacturers face a practical challenge: how to strengthen child-resistant packaging without unnecessarily reworking products, production lines and regulatory submissions already in place. In a written interview with 2Firsts, Chemular detailed Safeguard’s external packaging approach, its customer-specific testing requirements and possible PMTA pathways. The model remains early-stage, but it offers a new way to think about an increasingly important regulatory and manufacturing issue.
Industry Insight
Sep.19