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.



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.

German Environment Minister Plans Bill to Ban Disposable E-Cigarettes This Year
German Environment Minister Plans Bill to Ban Disposable E-Cigarettes This Year
German Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider said he is preparing legislation to ban disposable e-cigarettes and will present a bill this year. Industry data estimated that legal e-cigarette sales in Germany rose by about one quarter in 2025 to €2.4 billion. Refillable devices are not expected to be affected by the ban.
May.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
 BAT London Shares Gain 13.99% as FDA Vape Decision Draws Market Attention
BAT London Shares Gain 13.99% as FDA Vape Decision Draws Market Attention
British American Tobacco’s London-listed shares rose 13.99% last week, as investors focused on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s recent authorization of flavored Glas e-cigarette products, the dismissal of a U.S. sanctions-related criminal case against BAT, and the company’s previously announced share buyback plan and newer nicotine business performance.
BAT
May.18
Turning Point Brands Reports Q1 2026 Net Sales of $124.3 Million as Modern Oral Net Sales Rise 133%
Turning Point Brands Reports Q1 2026 Net Sales of $124.3 Million as Modern Oral Net Sales Rise 133%
Turning Point Brands reported first-quarter 2026 results on May 7, covering the period ended March 31, 2026. Total consolidated net sales were $124.3 million, up 16.8% year on year. Gross profit was $68.3 million, up 14.6%, while net income fell 19.0% to $11.7 million. Adjusted EBITDA declined 6.5% to $25.9 million.
May.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary Resigns After Opposing Trump Administration’s Flavored Vape Push
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary Resigns After Opposing Trump Administration’s Flavored Vape Push
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary resigned on May 12 after opposing the Trump administration’s push to authorize fruit-flavored vaping products, according to reporting by The New York Times. Makary reportedly objected over concerns that flavored vapes could attract young people and refused to support broader approvals.
News
May.13
Argentina’s New Nicotine Rules Draw Cautious Optimism and Market Concerns, Local Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocate Says
Argentina’s New Nicotine Rules Draw Cautious Optimism and Market Concerns, Local Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocate Says
Argentina’s new tobacco and nicotine framework marks a shift from prohibition toward registration, traceability and health surveillance. Argentine THR advocate Juan Facundo Teme told 2Firsts that adult consumers and parts of the local commercial sector are cautiously optimistic, but concerns remain over flavor limits, registration costs and market access. The policy’s implementation may determine whether Argentina can move informal sales into regulated channels.
May.11
South Korea Set to Enforce Liquid Vape Ban in Smoke-Free Areas, but Welfare Ministry Abruptly Adds Two-Month Guidance Period
South Korea Set to Enforce Liquid Vape Ban in Smoke-Free Areas, but Welfare Ministry Abruptly Adds Two-Month Guidance Period
Local governments across South Korea recently issued press releases saying they would intensively crack down on the use of liquid e-cigarettes in smoke-free areas. Since the revised Tobacco Business Act, passed in December last year, included liquid e-cigarettes within the definition of tobacco and took effect on April 24, local authorities had prepared to begin enforcement immediately.
Apr.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai