The Future of China's E-Cigarette Market in Russia

Apr.11.2023

China's e-cigarette industry sees growth in Russia as international tobacco companies exit the market.

In 2022, bilateral trade between China and Russia is expected to exceed $190 billion, with estimates that it will surpass $200 billion in 2023. Despite obstacles in Russia's trade partnership with Europe, China remains committed to actively fostering economic and trade relations with Russia, supporting both the Russian economy and the development of the "One Belt One Road" initiative.

According to data from real estate platform DNA Realty, there are over 5,000 e-cigarette shops in Russia as of the end of 2021, including over 1,000 in the Moscow region. According to data from the nicotine market participant association PAURRENS, the number of e-cigarette shops selling to populations of million-plus cities in the Russian Federation increased 75% year-on-year to reach 10,399 in 2022. In Moscow, the number of shops increased by 108% to 2,668. Additionally, a survey shows that e-cigarette sales make up the majority of profits for these stores.

Previously, 2FIRSTS reported on British American Tobacco (BAT) exiting the tobacco markets in Russia and Belarus; Philip Morris International (PMI) considering staying in the Russian market; Japan Tobacco International (JTI) pausing investments in Russia; and Imperial Brands (IMB) transferring their Russian business. The withdrawal of international tobacco companies could lead to a shortage in the Russian tobacco market and an increase in tobacco product prices. There is potential for alternative tobacco products, such as new tobacco products and electronic cigarettes, with electronic cigarette consumers comprising 6.8% of the market. According to data from the consumer electronics information platform igeekphone.com, Russia is the third largest importer of electronic cigarettes globally, with China comprising 90% of the market and exporting goods worth 82.5 billion rubles (8.35 billion yuan) to Russia in 2021. It is anticipated that this market will grow by 35% in 2022, reaching 111 billion rubles (11.27 billion yuan).

According to Igeekphone, after the withdrawal of European and American tobacco companies, Chinese electronic cigarettes have a clear competitive advantage in the Russian market. This provides a development opportunity for Chinese tobacco companies and is expected to occupy a market share in Russia in the short term. In the next three years, the future looks bright for Chinese electronic cigarettes to enter the Russian market. However, Chinese companies entering the Russian market should pay attention to regulations to ensure compliant operations.

Further Reading:

The four major tobacco companies have refused to withdraw from Russia.

PMI declares it will not withdraw from the Russian market and will fight the Kremlin to the end.

Japan Tobacco says Russian factory will continue operations - had considered selling Russian business in 2022.

British American Tobacco (BAT) has announced that it will completely withdraw from the Russian and Belarusian markets by 2023.

Russia's tobacco shops are expected to see a growth of 20% in 2022, with the majority of profits coming from sales of electronic cigarettes.

2FIRSTS engages in exchange with experts from Russian Academy of Sciences to discuss enhancing scientific research cooperation on electronic cigarettes between China and Russia.

References:

The countdown to the Russian e-cigarette market in 2023 has begun.

On December 18th, 2022, the news outlet 1prime.ru reported on consumer markets. The article discusses recent developments in the market, without specifying which market it is referring to.

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