Read articles from China

April 24, 2026 by nber.org

Restrictions on flavoured e-cigarettes are reshaping how consumers engage with nicotine products. Data analysed by the National Bureau of Economic Research, with a focus on China, illustrates how limits on non-tobacco flavours influence user behaviour and product choices. The findings suggest that such policies can significantly alter consumption patterns, often producing unintended effects. In some cases, reducing access to flavored alternatives may lead users back to traditional cigarettes. These insights contribute to the ongoing global debate on regulation and harm reduction strategies.

April 16, 2026 by bbc.co.uk

Hon Lik, a Chinese pharmacist and smoker, began looking for an alternative to cigarettes after developing health problems in 2003. He experimented with different ideas and eventually created a prototype for an electronic cigarette. The device was designed to deliver nicotine without burning tobacco, offering a different way to smoke. It was launched on the market in 2004 and quickly became commercially successful in China. The story follows how he developed the idea and managed to bring the product into production.

April 15, 2026 by 2firsts.com

China has initiated the process of drafting national standards for heated cigarettes and nicotine pouches, enhancing regulatory frameworks. The standards are essential in the pathway for market access but do not signal an imminent launch. The 22-month development cycle aims to protect health and safety. Heated cigarettes and nicotine pouches face separate regulatory paths, with the latter's standards following recent clarifications. The move signifies regulatory progress rather than immediate commercialization. It outlines technical requirements for these products and underlines China's efforts to regulate emerging nicotine categories. Although pivotal, the standards do not guarantee market entry, requiring additional steps and institutional arrangements.

March 26, 2026 by chosun.com

Growing attention is being paid to how taxation of nicotine products can shape both consumer behaviour and public health outcomes. Governments are increasingly using fiscal policy not only to raise revenue but also to discourage the use of higher-risk products such as combustible cigarettes. At the same time, the rise of alternatives like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco is complicating traditional tax frameworks. Policymakers face the challenge of aligning taxation with relative risk in order to support harm reduction while maintaining regulatory consistency. The debate highlights broader tensions between economic priorities and the goal of reducing smoking-related harm.

March 18, 2026 by clearingtheair.eu

A study by Fraunhofer Institute reveals that almost half of vapes in Europe stem from irregular sources, amounting to a €6.6 billion market. The research, tracking supply chains and customs data, unveils links to illegal transactions. China dominates as the main supplier, particularly from Shenzhen, with 90% of products coming from there. Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium serve as key distribution centers. Enforcement faces challenges due to increasing parcel volumes. These irregular trades cause tax losses and pressure legitimate retailers, with bans likely to boost illicit market growth. Recommendations include digital tracking systems and enhanced cooperation to combat the issue.

February 23, 2026 by reuters.com

On Friday, the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration of China issued a notice aimed at curbing price wars in the country’s e-cigarette industry. The regulator instructed manufacturers to address overcapacity by suspending new investment projects and halting the construction of additional production plants. Although it stated that the overall capacity utilisation rate remains at a high level, the authority expressed concern about excessive expansion and intensified competition. The notice also warned companies not to circumvent the directive by building facilities officially designated for other products but in reality used to manufacture e-cigarettes.

December 02, 2025 by chinadaily.com.cn

China has struggled with high smoking rates despite efforts. In the past decade, the number of smokers decreased but remains at 300 million. Public opinion on smoking has shifted due to campaigns and regulations. China now aims to further reduce smoking rates to 20% by 2030. Challenges include enforcement in public spaces and among businesses. Stricter laws and increased tobacco taxes have shown progress, with 60 million fewer smokers in recent years. To meet future targets, continued public and administrative support is crucial. Failure to enforce regulations may hinder efforts to improve public health and reduce smoking rates in China.

August 11, 2025 by vaping360.com

Recent comments from Trump administration health officials have added to confusion over President Trump’s policy on vaping and nicotine. While Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. this week promised “fast-tracked approvals" of vaping products, his subordinate leading the FDA has shown no apparent interest in carrying out such a plan, and urged that the FDA’s war against “illegal products” be expanded to vape shops.

March 25, 2025 by cspdailynews.com

Three U.S. representatives urge Trump administration to address illegal Chinese e-cigarette smuggling, impacting American public health and youth vaping. Despite existing federal task forces, they advocate for stronger enforcement actions, emphasizing the need to seize unauthorized products. The congressmen highlight the contradiction of China banning flavored e-cigarettes domestically while exporting them globally. Recent seizures in Miami raised concerns about the safety and prevalence of these products, originating from China. The letter calls for utilizing all available enforcement tools to combat illicit vape sales in the U.S., stressing the urgency to protect public health.

February 07, 2025 by vaping360.com

The first punitive tariffs on Chinese products imposed by the second Trump administration took effect Feb. 4. The new tariffs impose an across-the-board 10 percent levy on products from China, including the vast majority of vapes used by American consumers. China reacted immediately, imposing a retaliatory 15 percent tariff on (...)