American-made vapes increase amid Trump tariffs

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration declined to comment on whether there had been a shift toward U.S. production of vapes but said it is illegal to sell unauthorized vapes regardless of where they are made.

The website of one brand, Maxus Star, proclaims “Vape American” and shows the device emblazoned with stars, stripes and a “built in the USA” stamp.

Reuters could not verify where the device is made. The “MAXUS” brand is owned in the U.S. by Hong Kong-based Rivermountain (H.K.) Tech, which also holds trademarks in China for sub-brands of Chinese vape maker Freemax, trademark documents show. MAXUS Star, Freemax and Rivermountain did not respond to requests for comment.

Another new label, OneTank, displays a stamp with an American flag and the phrase “made in USA” on its packaging. It is controlled by a representative of Shenzhen Onevape Technology, local business filings and U.S. trademark documents show. OneTank and Shenzhen Onevape Technology did not respond to requests for comment.

Reuters could not establish whether OneTank had any U.S. manufacturing sites.

Some manufacturers could be trialing U.S. production or increasing their use of U.S.-made vape liquids to help lower tariff costs, said Steve Xu, an adjunct assistant professor who follows the industry at Canada’s University of Waterloo.

Small U.S.-based vape company Charlie’s Holdings Inc. in December opened its first U.S. factory to fill one of its disposable vape brands with e-liquid, citing supply chain disruptions associated with importing finished devices and consumer preference for “Made in America” brands. Its annual report states its disposable vapes are produced by a Chinese manufacturing partner.

Unlicensed vapes account for some 70% of U.S. vape sales, according to BAT, whose own devices have lost market share as a result.