China’s E-cigarette Exports Reach $1.694 Billion in Jan–Feb 2026; U.S., UK, Germany Lead, Japan Rises to Fourth

2Firsts, March 20, 2026.

The General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China has released the export data for e-cigarettes for January and February 2025. Based on the monthly performance, there is a clear trend of differentiation in e-cigarette exports in 2026.

In January, the export value was $940 million, a decrease of 6.2% compared to January 2025's $1.02 billion. 

In February, the export value was $754 million, a 51.2% increase compared to February 2025's $498 million.

Total exports for January and February 2026 amounted to approximately US$1.694 billion.

The United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany remain in the top three, with an increasing influence in the Asian market.

In January and February, Chinese e-cigarette exports continued to be concentrated in the top markets, with North America and Europe continuing to dominate the overall market structure.

• The United States remains the largest market with exports totaling approximately $563 million 
• United Kingdom with around $173 million in exports, ranking second
• Germany comes in third with exports totaling around $108 million
• Japan has moved up to fourth place with $85.55 million in exports
• Russia and the United Arab Emirates maintain stable export volumes with $80.42 million and $78.74 million respectively.
• South Korea and Malaysia continue to hold their positions in the top ten with exports of $69.51 million and $52.82 million respectively. 
• Canada and Indonesia have entered the top ten rankings with exports of $45.27 million and $40.49 million respectively.

Structural changes: concentration remains high, regional differentiation continues.

From an overall structure perspective, the exports in the first two months of 2026 exhibit the following characteristics:

• The United States continues to drive the market, with significant impact on overall export fluctuations. 
• The European market remains stable, with the UK and Germany maintaining their core positions. 
• The Asian market is gaining market share, with Japan performing exceptionally well and Southeast Asia remaining active. 
• The Middle East's re-export function continues, with the UAE maintaining its role as a regional hub.