China is preparing to flood the British market with cheap vapes as manufacturers try to capitalize on the world’s second-largest market following US tariffs imposed by Donald Trump. The trade standoff between Washington and Beijing has caused chaos in the business world as investors closely monitor each country’s response to the conflict.
Last week, the US import tax on Chinese-made vapes reached approximately 60% after an uneasy truce. This has left China’s $11.1 billion (£8.4 billion) e-cigarette export industry, already affected by strict domestic restrictions, in need of a new strategy. Instead, they are now looking to target the UK.
The upcoming ban on disposable vapes in the UK, aimed at reducing waste and preventing young people from taking up the habit, has led to the development of new models of e-cigarettes. Deborah Arnott, a professor at University College London, believes China will focus on the UK market as the main alternative after losing access to the US.
Factory owners in the Chinese e-cigarette industry have already felt the impact of the global uncertainty, with reports of blocked shipments and reduced US orders. Despite this, experts suggest that the industry will find ways to circumvent the current issues.
Critics are concerned that manufacturers will find ways around the UK government’s efforts to reduce the environmental impact of vaping. Cheaper Chinese imports diverted from the US could lower prices, while new models are being rapidly developed to meet the ban’s requirements.
For more than 90% of e-cigarettes used in Britain, they are imported from China. The UK government is preparing to ban disposable vapes from June 1, aiming to reduce youth vaping and plastic waste.
Scott Butler, executive director of Material Focus, a not-for-profit organization focused on recycling electronics, stated that the ban alone will not solve the problem of “throwaway vaping.” He added that genuine efforts must be made to make recycling easier for the public, as otherwise, vapes will continue to end up in bins and landfills.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/may/19/uk-vapes-e-cigarettes-chinese-imports-tariffs-trade
