The Smoke Won't Clear: Tariffs, Vaping, and You

We are now in a full-fledged tariff war with countries across the globe. Though we have yet to see how it all plays out, one thing is for sure: the vape industry will feel the effects. Disposable vapes have surged in popularity, but these international trade policies now threaten their affordability. The vast majority of vaping devices, batteries, and disposable e-cigarettes are manufactured in China, and thus face U.S. import tariffs that can significantly raise their prices.

Below, we're going to break down the current tariffs on Chinese-made vape products, potential new tariffs on the horizon, and how these costs directly impact consumers like you. We'll also explore how USA-based BLVK E-Liquid offers a competitive edge by avoiding many tariff-related price hikes while delivering quality products and customer satisfaction.

Let's get into it.

Since 2018, the United States has imposed tariffs on a wide range of Chinese goods as part of the ongoing trade dispute. Vaping products were explicitly included early on. In March 2018, the U.S. applied tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese goods, including a 25% tariff on vape devices and components made in China. This meant that e-cigarette devices, pods, disposable vapes, and related hardware imported from China were suddenly 25% more expensive for U.S. importers to bring in.

While the 25% tariffs have been painful enough for the vaping sector, there is a real possibility they could increase even further. U.S./China trade tensions have not dissipated in recent years; if anything, they have evolved and, in some cases, escalated, as we have seen in the news.

Trade analysts warn that the 25% duty on Chinese vape products could rise under certain scenarios . In fact, there is a high likelihood tariffs could double to 50% or even jump to 100% on Chinese-made vapes under future U.S. policy. A 100% tariff would effectively double the cost of any hardware imported from China , making a $20 disposable cost as much as $40, all before other mark-ups. Such steep increases have been discussed as part of broader trade measures. 

In 2024, U.S. trade officials signaled tougher stances on Chinese imports, especially high-tech and battery-related goods. The U.S. Trade Representative announced new tariff increases on select Chinese products ranging from 25% up to 100%. This indicates that key components of vapes, such as batteries, could see tariff rates climb beyond the current 25%, which would inevitably make the end products more expensive.

While the initial vape tariffs began under President Trump, even under President Biden, the U.S. maintained the same tariff approach to China. There’s a general consensus in Washington on being tough regarding trade with China, meaning these import taxes are not likely to vanish soon. In fact, as election cycles come and go, candidates often talk about being even tougher on China. Vaping products, unfortunately, could get caught in the crossfire of any broader tariff escalation since they are such a notable Chinese export sector.

The uncertainty around potential tariffs has some vape companies preemptively adjusting their supply chains. A few larger manufacturers have explored moving production to other countries with more favorable trade terms. However, relocating production is complex and not feasible for everyone. China’s ecosystem for making vape devices is extremely well-established, and many components are still primarily made in China. So, while a few brands may mitigate future tariffs by sourcing from elsewhere, most of the industry remains tied to China for now, which means consumers should be prepared that new tariffs or higher rates on vape imports would directly translate to pricier vapes in U.S. stores. Oh boy.

While the whole tariff conversation may seem like something irrelevant to your day-to-day, they have had, and will have, a very notable effect on anyone who buys disposable vapes or hardware.

Here’s some specific instances on how these tariffs can find their way into your vaping experience:

The most immediate impact is higher retail prices for items. If a disposable vape costs $10 wholesale from a factory in Shenzhen, a 25% tariff makes it $12.50 before it even reaches a U.S. retailer. As I am sure we have all seen, device prices have definitely crept upwards over time. Further tariffs would raise prices even more.

Tariffs don’t just make products cost more; they can also limit what’s available. Many local vape shops operate on thin profit margins, so a big jump in wholesale costs can be devastating. To avoid losing customers, some retailers initially tried to absorb the costs. However, absorbing costs are usually temporary fixes. Once old inventory runs out or losses pile up, businesses have no choice but to raise prices or cut expenses. Vape shop owners have warned that with margins already slim, they must either raise prices or cut employees’ hours to cope with the tariffs. In worst cases, shops could close down if they can’t stay profitable, meaning vapers lose convenient access to products. Smaller vaping brands are hit hardest, and some may exit the market. Fewer competitors and retailers could lead to a less diverse selection of products for consumers over time. Imagine being stuck with Virginia tobacco flavor. Forever. Yikes.

Tariffs have also introduced some hiccups in supply logistics. To minimize costs, importers might try to find loopholes such as routing products through different countries or importing components separately and assembling in the U.S. These strategies can sometimes reduce tariff liability but often lead to delays or complexities in getting products to shelves. If a shipment gets held up due to compliance checks or rerouting, certain vape products might temporarily become scarce. Consumers could notice some of their favorite imported brands going out of stock more frequently or new product releases being delayed. 

When tariffs and costs rise, manufacturers under pressure might seek cheaper materials or factories to maintain their profit margins without hiking prices too much. U.S. vape executives have voiced concern that new tariffs will push companies to purchase lower-quality components in an effort to keep costs flat. This could mean thinner batteries, more basic chips in vapes, or less rigorous quality control from cut-rate suppliers. For consumers, that raises the possibility of devices that are more prone to defects or performance issues, or, in the worst case, safety hazards (batteries catching fire, anyone?).

The challenging tariff environment has one silver lining for consumers: U.S. made vaping brands gain a competitive edge. Since tariffs are intended to make foreign-made goods more expensive relative to domestic goods, American manufacturers don’t have to deal with that 25% cost penalty. BLVK is one such brand benefiting from this dynamic, and is passing the benefit to consumers.

All of BLVK’s product formulations are developed in-house, and production is done in state-of-the-art facilities domestically. Therefore, BLVK doesn’t have to tack on a 25% import tax to cover manufacturing costs, which means the shelf price you pay isn’t bloated by trade-war taxes. While an imported disposable vape might suddenly jump in price if a new tariff hits, BLVK can keep its prices far more stable and predictable. For consumers, BLVK’s competitive edge translates into more bang for your buck. 

Price is only part of the equation, as we all know. All of BLVK's product offerings, from the BLVK (Fruits) and HUNDRED series available in freebase nicotine, to the FUJI, MELON, and BUBBA lines available in nicotine salts, and even a closed system disposable e-cigarette launching very soon in the coming months, are manufactured in the good 'ol USA.

BLVK formulates and produces its e-liquids and devices in ISO-9001 and GMP-certified facilities, reflecting a meticulous commitment to quality at every step. Each of our products goes through proper quality control to ensure it's safe, reliable, and satisfying for the adult smoker. Whether you're craving Glazed Donut from the HUNDRED Series, or American Tobacco from the BLVK Bar, BLVK has the flavors, and the production ability, to get you what you want.

In summary, while tariffs and trade woes push many vape prices upward and sow uncertainty, BLVK offers a stable harbor for consumers. As a U.S.-made brand, BLVK sidesteps the tariff turmoil that plagues imported products, keeping its pricing fair. Simultaneously, it doubles down on high product quality, innovation, and customer service to ensure that customers not only save money by avoiding tariff-driven costs, but also enjoy a top-notch vaping experience. In a time when vapers are feeling the pinch of global economics, BLVK’s commitment to quality and its competitive pricing model make it a standout choice: one that puts the customer, you, first.