Retraction Statement Regarding the Article: “2Firsts Investigation | U.S. Tightens E-Cigarette Enforcement, Disrupting China Air Shipments — Industry Estimates $78 Million in Goods Seized in Six Months”

To all 2Firsts readers,

In recent months, global attention has been focused on issues surrounding U.S. e-cigarette exports, logistics, and related regulations. Based on interviews with seasoned industry insiders, 2Firsts published an article on July 15 titled “2Firsts Investigation | U.S. Tightens E-Cigarette Enforcement, Disrupting China Air Shipments — Industry Estimates $78 Million in Goods Seized in Six Months.” The article covered topics such as the near shutdown of air freight channels, the reported seizure of products worth approximately RMB 560 million, and the shift toward express sea freight as an alternative. This information provided timely insights into industry developments and offered valuable reference points for importers, exporters, and logistics providers.

After publication, the article quickly attracted widespread attention. Many readers praised 2Firsts for promptly addressing industry concerns and reporting crucial information. At the same time, we also received some criticism suggesting that disclosing such information might negatively impact export businesses.

2Firsts believes that the truth will not change simply because it is reported. On the contrary, timely, accurate, and comprehensive information sharing contributes to the development of a compliant market, supports the improvement of sound regulatory systems, helps compliant enterprises build more competitive foundations, and ultimately mitigates unhealthy market practices—particularly those resembling “bad money drives out good.”

However, we also received a letter from one of the interviewees featured in the article, stating that the publication had caused significant impact within the industry and that they had come under great personal pressure as a result. The interviewee requested that their comments be withdrawn.

Although 2Firsts has carefully reviewed the writing and publication process of the entire article and found that it fully complied with journalistic practices and management standards, with no impropriety, we respect the interviewee’s request out of consideration for their personal situation. At the same time, given that the article would no longer present complete information after removing the interview content, 2Firsts has decided to retract the entire article.

We sincerely apologize to all our readers for this decision.

2Firsts will continue to conduct in-depth reporting, delivering first-hand and critical insights to our global audience, and advancing the high-quality development of the global new tobacco industry.

2Firsts CEO
Alan Zhao