2023 First Half: Tobacco Market Trends and E-Cigarette Growth

Jul.28.2023
2023 First Half: Tobacco Market Trends and E-Cigarette Growth
South Korea's tobacco market saw a slight decline in cigarette sales during the first half of 2023, while the market share for e-cigarettes increased to over 16%.

According to a report by Yonhap News Agency on July 27th, the South Korean Ministry of Strategy and Finance has released a report on the tobacco market trends for the first half of 2023. The report reveals a slight decline in cigarette sales in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year, while the market share of heated tobacco products (HNB) such as e-cigarettes has continued to grow, reaching over 16% of the overall tobacco market.


According to the report, tobacco sales in the first half of 2023 totaled 1.77 billion units, representing a decrease of 0.6% compared to the same period last year when sales reached 1.78 billion units.


It is worth noting that the market share of the disposable e-cigarette is gradually increasing.


In the first half of this year, the share of cigarette-style e-cigarettes in the overall tobacco sales reached 16.5%, a 1.7 percentage point increase from last year's 14.8%. Starting from 2.2% in 2017, the share has steadily climbed each year, experiencing an approximate eight-fold growth over a span of six years.


However, the tobacco export volume decreased by 0.3% compared to the same period last year, reaching a total of 175 million units.


Due to a decline in export volume, tobacco sales tax revenue has also been affected, decreasing by 0.4%, reaching 57 trillion Korean won.


References:


Cigarette sales in the first half of the year reached 1.77 billion packs, with electronic cigarettes accounting for 16.5% of the market.


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

Bhutan to Impose 115% Tax on E-cigarettes Starting January 2026
Bhutan to Impose 115% Tax on E-cigarettes Starting January 2026
The Ministry of Health (MoH) of Bhutan has announced stronger actions to combat the growing threat of e-cigarette use, especially among youth. While no new vaping-related lung collapse cases have been reported since 2024, the MoH confirmed that fiscal and legal reforms are underway to include e-cigarettes in tax and tobacco control laws starting January 2026.
Nov.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Juul’s San Francisco Headquarters May Be Sold as Debt Talks Advance
Juul’s San Francisco Headquarters May Be Sold as Debt Talks Advance
Real estate firm Affinius Capital is in talks to sell the loan tied to Juul’s San Francisco headquarters, with Madison Capital emerging as a potential buyer. If completed, the deal could lead to a change in ownership six years after Juul first acquired the building, signaling continued asset adjustments amid regulatory pressure.
Oct.23
Singapore media: Relx-linked firm Hellow SG struck off and office closed in Singapore
Singapore media: Relx-linked firm Hellow SG struck off and office closed in Singapore
According to The Straits Times, after Singapore strengthened anti-vaping enforcement from September 2025, Relx International-linked entity Hellow SG voluntarily applied for deregistration and was officially struck off by ACRA on September 30, closing its local office. The company reportedly undertook regional business support and operated quietly.
Nov.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
iMiracle and VPR Reach Preliminary Settlement in ‘Elf’ Trademark Dispute, Potentially Ending Three-Year Legal Battle
iMiracle and VPR Reach Preliminary Settlement in ‘Elf’ Trademark Dispute, Potentially Ending Three-Year Legal Battle
According to Law360, VPR Brands and iMiracle have filed a joint notice in federal court in Florida stating that they have signed a settlement term sheet and plan to finalize a global settlement within 30 days that would resolve multiple lawsuits. The dispute, which began in 2022 and centers on the “Elf” trademark, has involved injunctions, counterclaims and a key ruling by the Federal Circuit overturning a lower court’s order.
Dec.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Malaysian Customs Seizes Over US$3.4 Million in E-Cigarettes and Vape Liquids Shipped from China and Transported Overland
Malaysian Customs Seizes Over US$3.4 Million in E-Cigarettes and Vape Liquids Shipped from China and Transported Overland
The Royal Malaysian Customs Department in Kedah seized a large consignment of e-cigarette devices and vape liquids originating from China, with a total value exceeding RM16 million (about US$3.4 million). The suspect, a man in his 40s, failed to produce the required import permit from the Health Ministry, and the case is being investigated under the Customs Act 1967.
Dec.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
British Columbia Sues Juul Over Youth Nicotine Addiction
British Columbia Sues Juul Over Youth Nicotine Addiction
British Columbia has filed a civil lawsuit against Juul Labs, alleging the company fuelled youth nicotine addiction through highly addictive products and deceptive marketing practices. The claim was submitted to the B.C. Supreme Court under the newly enacted Vaping Product Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act.
Dec.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai