Vape Makers Tout 'Made in America' Amid Crackdown

Unlicensed brands turn to U.S. manufacturing claims as Trump administration targets Chinese imports.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:36pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a premium, polished metal vape device and a stack of American dollar bills on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the financial and regulatory challenges facing the vaping industry.As the U.S. government cracks down on unlicensed Chinese vape imports, some brands are emphasizing their 'Made in America' credentials to avoid regulatory scrutiny.Houston Today

The U.S. vaping market, long dominated by Chinese imports, is seeing an increase in 'Made in America' products as some analysts and industry executives say it's a reaction to the Trump administration's crackdown on unlicensed brands, especially those from China. At least eight new vape brands highlighting their American credentials have appeared on U.S. shelves recently, though some are still controlled by Chinese or Hong Kong-based firms.

Why it matters

The shift in marketing tactics suggests the multi-billion-dollar vaping industry is adapting to the Trump administration's global trade tariffs and tougher approach to unlicensed vapes, which account for around 70% of U.S. vape sales. The 'Made in America' branding could make some unlicensed products less likely to be targeted by customs officials.

The details

Trademark documents and business filings show some of the new 'Made in America' vape brands are controlled by U.S. firms, while at least two are owned by Chinese or Hong Kong companies. Analysts say the companies appear to be betting the American branding will make their labels less likely to 'catch the eyes' of customs officials on the lookout for unlicensed Chinese vapes. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says it is still illegal to sell unauthorized vapes regardless of where they are made.

  • In October 2025, the Trump administration launched a crackdown on unlicensed vape products, especially those from China.
  • In December 2025, small U.S. vape company Charlie's Holdings Inc. opened its first U.S. factory to fill one of its disposable vape brands with e-liquid, citing supply chain disruptions and consumer preference for 'Made in America' brands.

The players

Pallav Mittal

Analyst at Barclays.

Steve Xu

Adjunct assistant professor who follows the vaping industry at the University of Waterloo in Canada.

Tadeu Marroco

CEO of British American Tobacco (BAT).

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

U.S. Health Secretary.

Pam Bondi

Former U.S. Attorney General.

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What they’re saying

“(If) the illegal players have found another way to stay in the U.S. market… then this shift from illegal to legal will probably slow down.”

— Pallav Mittal, Analyst

“As the administration increases enforcement, they get more creative.”

— Tadeu Marroco, CEO

“China was profiting from dumping 'dangerous' illegal vapes in the U.S.”

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. Health Secretary

“China was profiting from dumping 'dangerous' illegal vapes in the U.S.”

— Pam Bondi, Former U.S. Attorney General

What’s next

The FDA has licensed only 41 vapes for sale in the U.S. so far, and the agency says it is still illegal to sell unauthorized vapes regardless of where they are made. The crackdown on unlicensed products is expected to continue.

The takeaway

The shift towards 'Made in America' vape branding highlights how the vaping industry is adapting to increased regulatory scrutiny and trade tensions under the Trump administration, even as the majority of the U.S. vape market remains dominated by unlicensed, often Chinese-made products.