Global E-cigarette Market Weekly (1.15-1.21)

Industry Insight by 2FIRSTS
Jan.22.2024
Global E-cigarette Market Weekly (1.15-1.21)
In a challenging market, big cigarette brands are entering Japan, while Malaysia pushes for e-liquid regulation. Can Korea's e-cigarette market rise in 2024?

The "credit society" with airtight regulations, stringent production conditions, and advertisers who constantly switch channels make it challenging for new tobacco brands to enter the Japanese market. However, as small brands face entry barriers and believe in the vast market potential after the relaxation of zero nicotine restrictions, established brands have started to seize this opportunity and expand their distribution.

 

The Malaysian E-Cigarette Consumers Association has announced that they have shared the findings of the 2FIRSTS report with local consumers and will continue to advocate for local e-liquid regulations.

 

In 2023, multiple well-known disposable e-cigarette brands such as ELFBAR and VUSE have entered the South Korean market. Simultaneously, South Korean conglomerates are also actively establishing their presence in the e-cigarette industry. This series of developments has the potential to disrupt the existing landscape of the South Korean e-cigarette market. In light of these changes, the question arises: Can the South Korean e-cigarette market thrive in 2024?

 

On January 18th, a backbench debate took place in the British Parliament, allowing backbench MPs to raise local or national issues and receive responses from relevant government ministers. The debate focused on the regulation of e-cigarettes in the UK, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the contrasting views between the organization and the British government regarding e-cigarettes.

 

On January 18, 2024, 2FIRSTS and CNR News held a signing ceremony for the ESG projects in the vaping industry, accompanied by the release of the "2023 Global Vaping Industry ESG Development Report" at the CNR News headquarters in Beijing. The event was attended by Wu Gang, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of CNR News, Zhao Tong, Co-founder and CEO of 2FIRSTS, Hu Lishan, Senior Director of the Financial and Economic Department at CNR News, and Hou Yuhuan, Global Vice President and Executive Editor-in-Chief of 2FIRSTS.

 

Blu's former factory, Tianchang Group, experiences a 79% decrease in e-cigarette sales and plans to seek new customers to expand its customer base.

 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Marketing Denial Order (MDO) to SMOK, a manufacturer of 22 e-cigarette products. Please refer to the detailed list at the end of the article.

 

Guangdong Liwang New Energy Co., Ltd. received three institutional visits and highlighted its advantages and future plans in the lithium-ion battery business.

 

Vuse Go 800 is set to be widely available in South Korea, with distribution expanding to include 30,000 convenience stores and tobacco shops throughout the country.

 

SKE, a company specializing in electronic atomizer components, has announced its plan to establish an industrial park in Guangshui City, Hubei Province, with a total investment of 1 billion RMB.

 

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.

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Philippines Mandates Safety Certification for Nicotine Pouches, Gives Industry 12 Months to Comply
Philippines Mandates Safety Certification for Nicotine Pouches, Gives Industry 12 Months to Comply
The Philippines Department of Trade and Industry has placed nicotine pouches under mandatory product certification through Department Administrative Order No. 26-07, Series of 2026. Nicotine pouches must obtain a Philippine Standard, or PS, license before they can be manufactured, imported, packed, distributed or sold in the country. The regime requires testing for nicotine content, pH and water activity, while packaging must disclose nicotine strength, ingredients, allergens, batch information, the PS certification mark and prescribed health warnings. Existing market participants have a 12-month transition period to comply.
Regulations
Oct.12
2Firsts On-Site | CTIHK Showcases Nicotine Pouches, Heated Tobacco and Chinese Cigars at InterTabac 2026
2Firsts On-Site | CTIHK Showcases Nicotine Pouches, Heated Tobacco and Chinese Cigars at InterTabac 2026
At InterTabac 2026 in Dortmund, China Tobacco International (HK) Company Limited (CTIHK) is exhibiting across two separate booths in Hall 5 and Hall 4. Products observed by 2Firsts include heated tobacco products, nicotine pouches, Chinese cigars and tobacco leaf. Nicotine pouch products on display include TOOP, Shuangxi and Ashima.
Market
Sep.16
 PMI Opens Generative AI Center in Portugal to Support Global Operations
PMI Opens Generative AI Center in Portugal to Support Global Operations
According to information released by Portugal’s Trade & Investment Agency (AICEP) in July 2026, Philip Morris International (PMI) has established a global Generative Artificial Intelligence Factory (GenAI Factory) at its Portuguese subsidiary Tabaqueira. The center will support PMI’s global operations by developing and deploying AI solutions focused on industrial process optimization, data analytics, operational automation and AI application development. The initiative strengthens Portugal’s role in PMI’s global technology and innovation network.
Aug.27
Product | JNR Launches Shisha Hookah 70K E-Hookah With 60ml E-Liquid and 0.6% Nicotine
Product | JNR Launches Shisha Hookah 70K E-Hookah With 60ml E-Liquid and 0.6% Nicotine
JNR has introduced the Shisha Hookah 70K, a high-capacity rechargeable disposable vape designed around a hookah-inspired experience. The device comes prefilled with 60ml of e-liquid at 6mg/ml (0.6%) nicotine strength, alongside a 1,000mAh rechargeable battery and a 0.38Ω single mesh coil. It also features adjustable airflow and battery and e-liquid level displays. JNR claims the device can deliver up to 70,000 puffs and offers more than 20 flavors. Retail listings for the product have appeared in markets including Tunisia.
Market
Aug.24 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Huabao International Buys Indonesian HNB Manufacturer for RMB 90 Million, Adding OEM/ODM Capacity
Huabao International Buys Indonesian HNB Manufacturer for RMB 90 Million, Adding OEM/ODM Capacity
Huabao International Holdings Limited will acquire 100% of PT Broad Far Indonesia through two wholly owned subsidiaries for approximately RMB 90 million. The Indonesian company manufactures and sells heat-not-burn tobacco sticks and provides OEM/ODM services. The sellers are part of a related-party group controlled by Huabao International Chair and controlling shareholder Zhu Linyao. PT Broad Far Indonesia generated $4.37 million in revenue and $177,000 in profit after tax in the first half of 2026, while net assets stood at about $326,000 at June-end. An independent valuer assessed the company’s equity at approximately RMB 93.06 million. Following completion, the HNB manufacturing operation will be consolidated into Huabao International.
News
Sep.29 by 2Firsts Perspectives
IVG Parent Secures HMRC Excise Warehouse and Duty Stamp Approvals Ahead of UK Vape Tax
IVG Parent Secures HMRC Excise Warehouse and Duty Stamp Approvals Ahead of UK Vape Tax
Acme Vape Ltd, the company behind UK vaping brand IVG, has received HM Revenue & Customs approval to operate an excise warehouse for vaping products and participate in the Vaping Duty Stamps Scheme. The UK's Vaping Products Duty will take effect on October 1, 2026, at a flat rate of £2.20 per 10ml of vaping liquid. Acme Vape Ltd says its approved warehouse in Preston will become operational under the new regime on the same date.
Regulations
Sep.18 by 2Firsts Perspectives