China promotion of e-cigarettes reveals “profits over people”
China promotion of e-cigarettes reveals “profits over people” conflict which directly relates to the push in Thailand to legalize e-cigarettes for revenue. Stephen Hamann “A new breed of e-cigarette has addicted teenagers and confounded regulators worldwide by offering flavors like Blue Cotton Candy and Pink Lemonade in a cheap, disposable package. The tycoon dominating this latest wave is Zhang Shengwei, 50, a veteran of China’s vape industry in the southern manufacturing hub of Shenzhen… Zhang has navigated shifting regulations in countries cracking down on candy-flavored vapes, which many health advocates say are designed to hook teenagers. In the United States, the firm simply ignored regulations on new products and capitalized on poor enforcement. It has flooded the U.S. market with flavored vapes that have been among the best-selling U.S. brands, including Elf Bar, EBDesign and Lost Mary.
“In the United Kingdom, by contrast, Zhang has complied with regulations requiring lower nicotine levels and government registration while building an unmatched distribution network — and driving a surge in youth vaping. In China — where more than 90% of the world’s vaping devices are manufactured — Zhang steered clear of domestic sales, resisting the temptation of a gargantuan market with 300 million smokers who might be converted to vaping. His focus on exports looked prescient when Beijing last year banned all domestic sales of flavored vapes, crushing some of Zhang’s competitors that had bet heavily on the China market… In banning flavors, China cites the same health concerns with youth vaping as other governments. But Beijing has a unique conflict of interest in the crackdown: It also runs a state cigarette monopoly, which accounts for 8.7% of China’s tax revenue and directly benefits from strict e-cigarette regulation.” [Chris Kirkham, David Kirton. China e-cigarette titan behind ‘Elf Bar’ floods the US with illegal vapes, Reuters]Kirkham C, Kirton D. China e-cigarette titan behind ‘Elf Bar’ floods the US with illegal vapes | Reuters 6 Dec 2023. https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-e-cigarette-titan-behind-elf-bar-floods-us-with-illegal-vapes-2023-12-06
