Fresh customs data released on April 20 shows that China’s vape exports reached $903 million in March 2026 (roughly 6.5 billion RMB). That’s a modest 4.5% year-over-year increase from $864 million in March 2025.
But not all markets moved in the same direction. Here’s a quick breakdown of the biggest winners and losers.
United States – still #1, but slipping
Exports to the US vape came in at $233 million last month, down a sharp 26% from $315 million in March 2025. Despite the drop, America remained the top destination for Chinese vape products.
United Kingdom – strong rebound
The UK, on the other hand, saw a healthy boost. Shipments hit $100 million, a 36% jump from $73.9 million a year earlier. That made Britain the second-largest market for the month.
Other key markets
Here’s how the rest of the top ten stacked up:
- Germany: $62.5 million
- Russia: $56.8 million
- South Korea: $55.5 million
- Japan: $36.3 million
- Malaysia: $31.6 million
- UAE: $25.9 million
- Canada: $25.1 million
- Croatia: $25.1 million
What’s behind the numbers?
While overall export growth remained positive, the steep drop in US sales stands out. It could reflect tighter enforcement, changing consumer habits, or inventory adjustments on the American side. Meanwhile, the UK’s double-digit growth suggests steady demand – possibly driven by regulatory stability and rising popularity of disposable or pod-based devices.
For now, China’s vape industry is still holding its ground globally, but the shifting landscape means exporters can’t rely on the US market like they used to.