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.

Mexico Passes Law Banning Commercial Sale and Advertising of Vapes and E-Cigarettes
Mexico Passes Law Banning Commercial Sale and Advertising of Vapes and E-Cigarettes
Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies approved a constitutional reform prohibiting the production, import, export, transport, distribution, sale, and advertising of vapes and e-cigarettes nationwide. The law does not ban personal use of such products. Backed by President Claudia Sheinbaum, the amendment to the General Health Law imposes penalties of one to eight years in prison and fines between 11,314 and 226,280 pesos (approximately USD 621–12,430).
Dec.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Liverpool City Region Considers Healthier Advertising Rules for Trains, Ferries and Buses — Vapes Included
Liverpool City Region Considers Healthier Advertising Rules for Trains, Ferries and Buses — Vapes Included
The Liverpool City Region is considering a region-wide clampdown on advertising for junk food, sugary drinks and vapes on publicly owned infrastructure. The move is framed as part of a broader push to promote healthier lifestyles and tackle deep-rooted health inequalities, with a particular focus on reducing children’s exposure to harmful marketing in public spaces. The plan is set to go before the Combined Authority on Friday.
Jan.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philip Morris Japan launches new IQOS SENTIA “Icy Red” flavor with icy menthol and red berry notes
Philip Morris Japan launches new IQOS SENTIA “Icy Red” flavor with icy menthol and red berry notes
Philip Morris Japan has announced the launch of a new SENTIA Icy Red tobacco stick for its IQOS ILUMA i and IQOS ILUMA heated tobacco devices, featuring an intense menthol profile with red fruit notes. The new product will roll out in stages from December across physical IQOS outlets, online channels and tobacco retailers nationwide in Japan, priced at 530 yen (approx. USD 3.4) per pack.
Dec.01 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Tobacco-Free Kids Condemns PMI for Marketing Zyn to Youth via F1 Sponsorship
Tobacco-Free Kids Condemns PMI for Marketing Zyn to Youth via F1 Sponsorship
Yolonda C. Richardson, President and CEO of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, issued a statement on December 10, 2025, condemning Philip Morris International (PMI) for partnering with Ferrari to promote Zyn nicotine pouches on Formula 1 cars. She said PMI’s claim that the sponsorship targets adults is misleading, as F1’s audience has become increasingly young—with over 4 million children aged 8–12 now following the sport.
Dec.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Kazakhstan Investigates Social-Media Vape Sales Linked to a Banking “Drop” Arrangement
Kazakhstan Investigates Social-Media Vape Sales Linked to a Banking “Drop” Arrangement
Kazakhstan’s Financial Monitoring Agency (AFM) in Ulytau Region is conducting a pre-trial investigation into alleged illegal vape sales and the unlawful acquisition of access to a bank account. Authorities say a Satpayev resident has sold banned devices via social media since 2024 and used a “dropper” arrangement to disguise proceeds.
Jan.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Walgreens Brings Vapes Back to Some U.S. Stores; Juul Says It’s in or Near 6,000 Locations
Walgreens Brings Vapes Back to Some U.S. Stores; Juul Says It’s in or Near 6,000 Locations
Walgreens has begun selling vape products again in some U.S. stores, marking a notable reversal after the chain pulled vapes from shelves in 2019 amid concerns over youth use and health risks. Juul says it is expanding across thousands of Walgreens locations, and NJOY also lists Walgreens stores as retailers.
Jan.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai