US Tobacco Sales See First Increase in 20 Years

Jul.18.2022
US tobacco sales increase for the first time in 20 years, raising concerns about COVID-19 and smoking.

The latest data from the US government reveals that sales of both cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products saw their first increase in 20 years last year, sparking concerns that the pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic may have led to a rise in the number of smokers. This growth comes after a continued decline in the sales of addictive and cancer-causing cigarette products, as part of several government-led anti-smoking campaigns.


According to the annual report released by the Federal Trade Commission, in 2020, the largest cigarette manufacturer in the United States provided wholesalers and retailers with approximately 203.7 billion cigarettes, an increase of approximately 800 million from 2019. According to an FTC report, sales of non-combustible tobacco products such as chewing tobacco also slightly increased to $126.9 million.


The data from the Federal Trade Commission does not include electronic cigarettes - aerosol-based vaporizers. In mid-February, the FTC issued a subpoena for electronic cigarette sales data, but has not yet released any information regarding the data.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

ACT Health Minister Vows Continued Crackdown on E-Cigarettes and Illicit Tobacco
ACT Health Minister Vows Continued Crackdown on E-Cigarettes and Illicit Tobacco
ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said the government would not ease its action against e-cigarettes and illicit tobacco and would continue strengthening regulation, legislation, and enforcement. Speaking at the launch of a new program to help young people quit vaping, she said reducing tobacco excise would not materially reduce profits in the illicit tobacco market.
Mar.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Special Report|FDA Revises Device Name in Glas Vape Authorization; Company Signals Optimism on Menthol, Flavored Pods
Special Report|FDA Revises Device Name in Glas Vape Authorization; Company Signals Optimism on Menthol, Flavored Pods
The FDA updated public records on the PMTA authorization of a Glas vape product, renaming “Glas G Device” to “Glas G² Device” and releasing the order letter detailing scientific review and marketing restrictions. Company disclosures suggest the platform may include age-verification technology. If confirmed, Glas G² could be the first vape with device-level age verification to receive an FDA MGO. Glas executives also said menthol and other flavored pods could gain authorization in the future.
Special Report
Mar.14
Malaysia maritime officers seize nearly 16,500 vapes in suspected cross-border smuggling bid
Malaysia maritime officers seize nearly 16,500 vapes in suspected cross-border smuggling bid
According to Malay Mail and Bernama, Malaysia’s maritime enforcement agency intercepted a suspicious lorry at a jetty in Kedah’s Kuala Sanglang and seized nearly 16,500 vape devices worth more than RM500,000 (about US$125,000). Three men were detained for investigation, and the case is being probed under Malaysia’s Customs Act 1967.
Mar.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan to Raise Tobacco Taxes and Corporate Income Tax From April 1 to Help Fund Defense Spending
Japan to Raise Tobacco Taxes and Corporate Income Tax From April 1 to Help Fund Defense Spending
Japan will raise tobacco product taxes and corporate income tax from April 1 as part of a package of levies to help fund a five-year defense spending increase totaling JPY 43 trillion. Tobacco taxes will be raised in two stages, with the first increase taking effect on April 1 and the second in October, while personal income tax is planned to rise in January.
Mar.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Italy Formally Submits Detailed Opinion to EU Obstructing Ireland's Disposable Vape Ban
Italy Formally Submits Detailed Opinion to EU Obstructing Ireland's Disposable Vape Ban
Italy's Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy has submitted a detailed opinion against Ireland's proposed "Public Health (Single Use Vapes) Bill 2025." Italy argued that the comprehensive ban on disposable vapes lacks scientific evidence, violates the EU principle of the free movement of goods, and conflicts with the existing Tobacco Products Directive.
Apr.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Australia’s NSW Finds Lower Vaping Rates Among Teenagers Aged 14 to 17
Australia’s NSW Finds Lower Vaping Rates Among Teenagers Aged 14 to 17
A new report from Cancer Council’s Generation Vape research project shows that fewer teenagers in New South Wales are trying vaping after the state government introduced tougher vaping goods laws. Among surveyed NSW teenagers aged 14 to 17, the proportion who had tried vaping fell from 29.6% in April 2024 to 20.1% in October 2025.
Mar.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai