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.

Malaysia’s Home Ministry Urges Study of IQOS Tobacco Device Ahead of Potential Legislation
Malaysia’s Home Ministry Urges Study of IQOS Tobacco Device Ahead of Potential Legislation
Malaysia’s Home Ministry has recommended that the National Poison Centre conduct a study on the IQOS heated tobacco device, developed by a leading global tobacco company. Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the research would help the government prepare future legislation addressing emerging nicotine technologies. While health risks remain uncertain, officials stress the need for proactive, adaptable legal frameworks.
Nov.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis passes final reading bill banning e-cigarettes and their components
Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis passes final reading bill banning e-cigarettes and their components
Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis adopted in final reading a bill banning the import, export, production, storage, wholesale and retail sale, and use of electronic cigarettes and their components, through amendments to the law On Tobacco and Tobacco Products. The document states that nicotine-containing electronic cigarettes are included within the concept of tobacco products and sets out a definition of electronic cigarettes.
Dec.31 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | Differences in Configuration and Indicator Methods: Three UWELL G5 Series Devices Launch on U.S. and U.K. Channels
Product | Differences in Configuration and Indicator Methods: Three UWELL G5 Series Devices Launch on U.S. and U.K. Channels
UWELL has launched three models in its Caliburn G5 Lite series across U.S. and U.K. channels, using indicator lights or breathing lights to display device status. Compared with the earlier G4 series, the new G5 Lite lineup continues a screenless design and increases battery capacity to 1,600mAh. The three devices also share the same core specifications, including e-liquid capacity, maximum power output, and pod compatibility.
Dec.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Observations | Two Months After Launch, BAT’s VELO Shift Draws Attention for Non-Traditional Design as Some Users Call for Higher Nicotine Strength
2Firsts Observations | Two Months After Launch, BAT’s VELO Shift Draws Attention for Non-Traditional Design as Some Users Call for Higher Nicotine Strength
British American Tobacco (BAT) introduced the VELO Shift nicotine pouch in September 2025, featuring a hexagonal outer can and an oval-triangle pouch shape that departs from traditional designs. Two months after launch, the product is available in the U.K., U.S. and Sweden. Social-media feedback indicates the design has been well received, while some users are calling for higher nicotine strength.
Nov.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russian State Duma Committee supports bill for tobacco and nicotine products market legalization
Russian State Duma Committee supports bill for tobacco and nicotine products market legalization
A bill endorsing a licensing system for tobacco and nicotine products has been recommended in Russia's State Duma.
Nov.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Vietnam Passes Amended Investment Law Banning E-Cigarette and Heated Tobacco Businesses
Vietnam Passes Amended Investment Law Banning E-Cigarette and Heated Tobacco Businesses
On December 11, 2025, Vietnam’s National Assembly passed the amended Investment Law, officially banning investment and business activities related to e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. The new law also adds several high-risk and socially sensitive sectors to the list of prohibited business activities, including narcotics, wildlife trade, human organs and embryos, sex work, human cloning, fireworks, debt collection, and trade of national treasures.
Dec.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai