FLER at APE

China’s vape exports to the U.S. surged to a record $590 million in October 2025—nearly double the usual monthly level and pushing the U.S. share above 50% of China’s global shipments.But the spike was not driven by demand. Instead, it reflected a temporary release created by tightened U.S. enforcement, a collapsed logistics pathway, and a bullwhip-style surge in replenishment.The peak signals more volatility ahead, not recovery.

For the first time, more people in Britain now vape than smoke. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 10% of adults (5.4 million) regularly use e-cigarettes compared with 9.1% (4.9 million) who smoke cigarettes. The government credits vaping for the decline in smoking but plans tougher rules through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, including a generational smoking ban and restrictions on nicotine pouch flavours, packaging, and sales.

Russia’s Federation Council has approved legislation allowing authorities to block websites offering online sales of tobacco, nicotine-containing products, heated tobacco devices and hookahs without a court order.

Organigram Global has named James Yamanaka, previously Global Head of Strategy at British American Tobacco (BTI), as its new CEO. His appointment is expected to take effect around January 15, 2026, and he will also join the company’s board. Yamanaka brings more than 20 years of strategic and managerial experience from roles across Europe and Asia at BTI.

Altria on December 19 confirmed that six on! PLUS nicotine pouch products had received U.S. FDA marketing authorization, ending a PMTA review lasting more than a year after the company moved ahead with launch plans before clearance.

A vape-related case reported by The Straits Times illustrates the typical operating methods of Singapore’s underground vape trade, including Telegram-based “online shops,” centrally coordinated scheduling, and small-volume, fragmented deliveries. The case highlights the segmented and concealed nature of the country’s black-market vape network. Drawing on the report, 2Firsts uses this case as a sample to map out the structure and operational patterns of Singapore’s underground vape chain.