Vaping is no longer the new “kid on the block” when it comes to nicotine consumption, but its popularity is still on the rise globally, especially amongyounger individuals. Like vapes, tariffs are nothing new, but they are the topic on the tip of everybody’s tongue.

Tariffs are additional taxes on items manufactured in other countries. Vapes made in different countries and imported into the U.S. are subject to tariffs.

If you vape or run a vape shop, you will want to know the ins and outs of vape tariffs. Here, we look at what to expect from tariffs, who they affect, and why they matter. 

What Are Vape Tariffs?

Tariffs are additional taxes placed on items imported from other countries. On April 2, 2025,  on a day he called “Liberation Day,” Donald Trump revealed a tariff plan that included a Universal 10% tariff on all goods imported to the U.S., along with additional reciprocal tariffs for several countries, including China, the EU, South Korea, and Japan. In 2023, theChina Electronics Chamber of Commerce stated that nearly 60% of the country’s vape exports were sent to the U.S.

The vape exports most commonly imported from China include e-cigarettes, vape pens, e-liquids, and additional parts used to repair vapes.

In addition to import tariffs, governments often apply excise taxes to specific products to deter the consumption of tobacco, cigarettes, and sugary drinks. The majority of states in the U.S. havealso applied taxes on e-cigarettes and other vaping products. 

Why Vape Tariffs Exist

Whatever you think of tariffs, they’re here to stay (for now, at least). Theaverage adult vape user spent just over $80 on vaping products per month in 2024, but this amount will increase as tariffs take effect. Vapes have been subject to import tariffs since 2018, but these have risen from 25% to 170%, which means a vape that previously cost $20 may soon cost $35. 

Proponents of vape tariffs cite public health motivations as the main reason, specifically to discourage use among young people. However, the primary motivation behind the tariffs is financial, and the government believes they will protect domestic manufacturers by bringing manufacturing back to the U.S.

The growing trade tensions between the U.S. and China are significantly impacting tariffs, and the percentages are changing constantly, which is why keeping on top of them is so important. 

Countries and Their Vape Tariff Policies

The U.S. isn’t the only region of the world with vape tariffs in place. Here, we look at how regions around the world handle tariffs on vaping products. 

United States

Vapes imported from China currently have a 170% tariff imposed on them, while products from Cambodia have a 49% tariff, and Vietnam has a 46% tariff. As of May 2025, the U.S. does not impose federal excise taxes on vaping products.

However, several bills like the Tobacco Tax Equity Act and the E-cigarette Parity Act propose increasing the taxes on e-cigarettes to match traditional cigarettes. Individual states impose different taxes on vape products.

Some states impose taxes on the amount of e-liquid in a vape per ml, likeConnecticut’s $0.40/mL tax on closed systems, while others tax the product’s value, likeMinnesota’s 95% tax on the wholesale price of vapes. 

European Union

Countries within the EU have differing excise taxes on vaping products, with 18 members implementing taxes on the amount of e-liquid, the value of the product, or a mixture of the two.

Additionally, France, Ireland, and the UK are all in the process of implementing new excise taxes on vaping products. To harmonize taxes, the European Commission is developing a new Tobacco Excise Directive to be implemented across all member states. 

Asia (e.g., China, South Korea, Philippines)

While tariffs and excise taxes on vaping products are not in place in countries like China, which dominates the global vape production industry, some other Asian countries have banned e-cigarette use completely. Thailand, Singapore, India, and the Maldives have banned their use altogether. 

Other notable regions (e.g., Canada, Australia)

Elsewhere in the world, Canada has imposed excise taxes on vaping products since July 2024, including a tax on vaping products for each 10 ml of e-liquid. Australia, on the other hand, bans the importation and sale of e-cigarettes unless they are registered as therapeutic.

Impact on Consumers and Businesses

The increase in federal tariffs and state taxes significantly impacts both vape consumers and businesses. The cost increase will mean an increase in the price of vape products for end-users.

Additionally, there may be supply chain challenges for importers and retailers as the costs increase and fewer vapes enter the country.

People who vape and don't want to pay the higher prices may look to the black market for products that haven't been tested in the same way as other, more reputable vapes and could contain more harmful ingredients.

Smaller companies will be affected more severely than larger companies that can order vapes in much larger quantities and eat some of the costs. 

Legal and Regulatory Considerations

To avoid an increase in black market activity, anybody importing or selling vape products needs to comply with legal and regulatory requirements surrounding vapes. Importers must classify products correctly, pay U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) tariffs, file customs forms, and comply with the FDA.

Sellers need to verify the origin of products and request customs documents and tariff payment confirmation for importers. Big tobacco companies have invested heavily in lobbying efforts as tariffs and excise taxes are introduced and increased. 

The Future of Vape Tariffs

If you read the news, you’ll know that tariffs worldwide constantly change. However, due to the perceived health implications of vaping, many countries are likely to continue to tax e-cigarettes and other vape products highly to deter young people from using them.

Currently, vapes imported into the U.S. from China have a tariff of 170%, which will lead to a substantial increase in price. The EU is trying to reform international trade agreements to harmonize excise taxes on vape products. Further studies could shape future tariffs into the effects of vaping on the human body and public opinion on vaping. 

Conclusion

Tariffs are additional taxes placed on items imported from other countries. The Trump administration has proposed tariffs on imported products worldwide in an attempt to drive manufacturing back to the U.S.

In addition to tariffs, countries in the EU and around the world have introduced excise taxes on vape products due to thehigh numbers of young people vaping and health concerns related to this trend.

With the shifting nature of tariffs, staying current on the numbers is essential, as this will impact the price of vapes for you. Find up-to-date information on current and future tariffs at government websites likeDataWeb.