U.S. E-Cigarette Sales Surge 47% from 2019 to 2023

A recent report¹ from the CDC Foundation and Truth Initiative reveals a 47% increase in U.S. e-cigarette sales from 2019 to 2023, sparking concerns about the growing problem of youth addiction to vaping. The report, titled “Monitoring E-Cigarette Trends in the United States: Urgent Action Needed to Protect Kids from Flavored E-Cigarettes,” highlights the popularity of flavors such as fruit, candy, and mint, which account for more than 80% of total sales.

Disposable Vapes Gain Popularity

The report identifies disposable e-cigarettes or vape pens as the most common type of smoking device used by young people. In 2024, studies cited in the report found that 1.63 million youth reported using e-cigarettes within the previous 30 days. These devices use a battery to heat liquid into an aerosol that users inhale, with the “e-juice” inside the cartridges typically containing flavorings and other chemicals that can become more toxic when heated.

Unit Share of National E-Cigarette Unit Sales by Product Type

Dr. Judy Monroe, president and CEO of the CDC Foundation, expressed deep concern about the rise in e-cigarette sales, particularly those with youth-appealing flavors and graphics. However, the report also found declines in e-cigarette use in regions with strong policies restricting the sale of flavored e-cigarettes. “The data from states like Massachusetts, California, and New York demonstrate how comprehensive policies can effectively curb youth access,” Dr. Monroe noted.

Other Key Findings

The report highlights several other concerning trends:

Menthol-flavored e-cigarette sales rose more than 175% for all e-cigarettes
Disposable e-cigarettes can have nicotine levels similar to several cartons of cigarettes, with average nicotine strength increasing over time
In 2024, nearly 30% of high school students who use e-cigarettes reported vaping daily, raising concerns about youth addiction

National E-Cigarette Unit Sales by Flavor

The CDC Foundation and its partners, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Truth Initiative, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, and Bloomberg Philanthropies, have been conducting research on tobacco product sales, youth e-cigarette use, and the effectiveness of flavored e-cigarette restriction policies since 2019. Their findings underscore the urgent need for action to protect young people from the dangers of e-cigarette addiction.

Report – Monitoring E-Cigarette Trends in the United States ↩︎

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.