London, February 24, 2025 – Private retail sales data reviewed by Reuters indicates that sales of unauthorized, flavoured disposable vapes in the United States totaled around $2.4 billion in 2024.
The figures, representing about 35% of the e-cigarette sales from convenience stores and supermarkets, mark a significant portion of the overall vape market, according to market research firm Circana.
The data shows that while the unauthorised market shrank from $3.2 billion in 2023 to $2.4 billion in 2024 - and from $2.8 billion in 2022 - it still remains a major segment within a broader $6.8 billion market tracked by Circana. The firm’s analysis, which covered approximately 11,000 unauthorised flavoured disposable e-cigarette products across hundreds of brands, does not capture sales made online, in independent stores, or in specialty vape outlets.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized only 34 tobacco- or menthol-flavoured vape products for legal sale, all produced by major tobacco companies such as British American Tobacco and Altria. By contrast, the unauthorised market features a wide range of flavours - from "cookie and cloud" to "magic cotton candy"- underscoring the appeal of these products to consumers despite regulatory restrictions.
Industry sources have noted that the data on disposable vapes is preliminary and subject to revisions, with previous estimates for 2024 having been adjusted upward. Despite a reported 25% contraction in sales of flavoured disposable vapes compared to 2023, key industry players suggest that the overall U.S. vape market expanded by 30% this year, driven entirely by illicit products. Altria CEO Billy Gifford highlighted this trend during a conference on February 19.
The figures also reflect the impact of regulatory efforts, as top-selling labels such as Esco Bars and Elf Bars fell out of the top 10 most sold devices in 2024 after the FDA blocked their imports in 2023. Other brands have since risen to fill the void.
As authorities continue to crack down on unauthorised products, the data provides a rare glimpse into the scale of the illicit vape market in the U.S., highlighting both its significant economic footprint and the challenges facing regulators in curbing the sale of non-compliant products.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, replacing him with General Mykhailo Drapatyi in one of the...
Southeast Asia remains the epicentre of scam centres running illegal online fraud schemes that target victims worldwide and generate billions of dolla...
Iran is increasingly relying on its northern ports for imports, with officials saying more than 30% of goods now enter the country via Russia and the ...
From 1 June 2025, it will be illegal for businesses in the United Kingdom to sell or supply all single-use or "disposable" vapes. Only reusable vapes are allowed for sale.
As U.S. authorities intensify their crackdown on unauthorized e-cigarette products, several vape companies are altering their business models and corporate structures—efforts that are complicating regulatory enforcement.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 20th July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
At least six people were killed and 21 others injured after two earthquakes struck Peru's central Junín region, destroying dozens of homes and triggering a major emergency response.
Kylian Mbappé has become the first player to win the FIFA World Cup Golden Boot on more than one occasion. The French forward won the award presented to the top goalscorer of the tournament for the second time, despite France being knocked out in the semi-finals.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 21st of July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Overnight U.S. strikes caused blackouts in southwestern Iran and hit the northwestern city of Tabriz for the first time. Separately, a U.S. soldier died in northern Iraq during a controlled detonation of an unexploded Iranian drone.
China's Foreign Ministry has said it is closely monitoring the United Kingdom's nationalisation of British Steel. Prior to the British government fully taking over the loss-making company on Thursday, it was previously owned by Chinese private steelmaker Jingye.
Apple is closing in on Nvidia's position as the world's most valuable publicly traded company, as investors increasingly bet the iPhone maker can turn artificial intelligence into sustained earnings growth.
AI-powered shopping assistant Phia has been accused of using "cookie stuffing" to claim affiliate commissions for purchases it did not generate, according to a Bloomberg investigation. The company says the issue has now been resolved.
The UK government has nationalised British Steel, taking full ownership of the country's only primary steelmaker from its Chinese owners to safeguard the future of the UK's steel industry.
Saudi Arabia is moving crude through the Red Sea port of Yanbu at close to maximum capacity this week, as tensions with Yemen's Houthis add to broader concerns over Gulf shipping routes, according to data and industry sources cited by Reuters.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment