Online sales dominate in China as vaping as a lifestyle choice wanes

As the vaping lifestyle trend expires, the Chinese vaping industry struggles to become an option for smokers in a country where smoking is culturally ingrained.

While there has been widespread closure of vape stores, sales through online marketplaces Taobao and Tmall remain stable, taking 80% of the market. There is huge price competition, with discounts through social media sites such as WeChat.

Closed system products/cigalikes are the top sellers, while basic starter kits have considerably increased their sales – and counterfeiting remains a series issue.