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

Apr.11.2023
The Future of China's E-Cigarette Market in Russia
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.



Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

KT&G Launches Two New lil AIBLE Dedicated Sticks as Aim Portfolio Expands to 13
KT&G Launches Two New lil AIBLE Dedicated Sticks as Aim Portfolio Expands to 13
KT&G said on April 20 that it has launched two new “AIIM” sticks for its lil AIBLE heated tobacco device at convenience stores nationwide in South Korea. The new products are “AIIM CHANGE UP” and “AIIM COOL SHOT.” The company said the products were developed based on the existing lil SOLID dedicated sticks “Fiit Change Up” and “Fiit Cool Shot.” With the launch, the Aim lineup for lil AIBLE has expanded to 13 products.
Apr.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philip Morris Japan Unveils TEREA “Blossom Pearl” for IQOS ILUMA
Philip Morris Japan Unveils TEREA “Blossom Pearl” for IQOS ILUMA
Philip Morris Japan announced that it will launch “TEREA Blossom Pearl,” a new tobacco stick for IQOS ILUMA, on May 11. The new product will expand the TEREA lineup to 27 variants. It features a capsule menthol flavor with strawberry and subtle herbal notes and is priced at JPY 620, or about USD 4.14 based on an assumed rate of 1 JPY = 0.00668 USD. The exchange-rate source should be verified and added.
Apr.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Why Many E-Liquids Today Are "Not Bad, but Not Memorable" – Mylor’s Approach to Experience Design
Why Many E-Liquids Today Are "Not Bad, but Not Memorable" – Mylor’s Approach to Experience Design
From May 8 to 10, 2026, Mylor (Booth E70) will exhibit at The Vaper Expo UK, where it will showcase its systematic experience design solutions for e-liquids. At present, the e-liquid market commonly faces a challenge: many products have “no obvious shortcomings, but lack memorable features.” In response, Mylor has proposed refined solutions across multiple dimensions, including device-adaptive sweetness, progressive cooling sensation, fruit-oriented sourness, and segmented nicotine experience.
May.08
AIR Romania Manufacturing Facility Expected to Begin Operations in Q1 2027
AIR Romania Manufacturing Facility Expected to Begin Operations in Q1 2027
AIR Limited announced on May 7, 2026, that it plans to open a new manufacturing facility of approximately 70,000 square feet in Stefanesti, Bucharest North, Romania. The facility is expected to begin operations by the first quarter of 2027. AIR said that once fully operational, the facility is expected to support more than 150 jobs and be capable of producing more than 4,000 tons of flavored shisha molasses each year.
May.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai
CBP and FDA Seize 18 Million Illegal Vapes Worth $175 Million in Maritime Cargo Operation
CBP and FDA Seize 18 Million Illegal Vapes Worth $175 Million in Maritime Cargo Operation
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that more than 18 million illegal e-cigarettes valued at over $175 million were seized during “Operation Red Mist,” a joint enforcement initiative involving the U.S. Coast Guard and the FDA. The operation primarily targeted maritime vape shipments originating from China and focused on combating illicit importation, transportation, and distribution activities.
Regulations
May.14
Imperial Brands Pulls myblu Vape Business From U.S., Citing Prolonged FDA Approval Process
Imperial Brands Pulls myblu Vape Business From U.S., Citing Prolonged FDA Approval Process
Imperial Brands said it will phase out its myblu vaping business in the United States, citing prolonged FDA approval timelines for new vape products. The company said it will instead focus on modern oral nicotine products in the U.S., including the expansion of its Zone brand and new flavors. While overall next-generation product revenue continued to grow, revenue from the category in the Americas declined sharply.
May.12