Vape Market Grows Despite FDA Crackdown: A Look at Illicit Sales

Illicit flavoured vapes constitute a significant portion of the U.S. vape market, with revenues reaching $2.4 billion in 2024. Despite FDA efforts, unauthorized products prevail. Big tobacco firms face competition from illicit products, though they report market growth driven by these items. Recent data analysis highlights ongoing trends.

Sales of unauthorized, flavored disposable vapes in the United States have surged to around $2.4 billion in 2024, according to private retail sales data reviewed by Reuters. These sales account for 35% of e-cigarettes sold through outlets like convenience stores and supermarkets.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has only approved 34 vape products for legal sale, all related to big tobacco companies like British American Tobacco and Altria. Despite regulatory efforts, the market is rife with unauthorized items, with thousands of unapproved products on the market, including flavors such as 'cookie and cloud' and 'magic cotton candy'.

The data offers a unique glimpse into the scale of illegal vape sales, as the unauthorized market continues to challenge legal channels. Industry experts suggest a 25% contraction in flavored disposable vape sales since 2023, even as large tobacco firms cite a 30% expansion driven by illicit products.