U.S. ITC: E-Cigarette Imports Down 2.17% in January-May

New research from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) found microbial contamination — including coliform, a bacteria indicating fecal exposure — in some vaping devices confiscated from U.S. schools. However, researchers stressed that newly purchased, unopened vapes showed no such contamination. The findings point to risks linked to unregulated products and improper storage conditions, reinforcing the importance of regulated supply chains and product authentication.

The Washington Examiner on December 9, 2025, reported: China's vape export volume to the U.S. rebounded sharply from 2.2 million kilograms to 14.8 million kilograms despite the crackdown. This volatility, confirming the annual multi-billion dollar trade gap, is the "Bullwhip Effect" in action. It transfers massive inventory to the U.S. market, putting the working capital of Chinese manufacturers and the supply chain at severe risk of lock-up and failure. Regulatory escalation is now imminent.

Chinese vape exports to the U.S. jumped from about 2.2 million kg in June to 14.8 million kg in October 2025, despite tougher enforcement, the Washington Examiner reported. 2Firsts finds the surge reflects delayed bulk shipments, not demand recovery. With U.S. inventory exceeding 160 million devices and distributors paying ~10% upfront, cash-flow stress has shifted to Chinese manufacturers, and discounted stock is spilling into other markets.

Charlie’s Holdings has activated its first US-based manufacturing and filling line, enabling the company’s Pachamama 25K vape series to meet Texas’ new domestic manufacturing requirements. As state-level rules tighten, the move signals a broader industry shift toward US-filled supply chains and marks an inflection point for brands historically reliant on China-based prefilled production.