South America E-Cigarette Market Outlook, 2028

Also known as e-cigs and vape pens, e-cigarettes are battery-operated devices manufactured using cartridges, mouthpieces, atomizers,s and batteries. These devices contain nicotine, humectant, and flavorings, which are heated at a high temperature to retain moisture and produce an aerosol. They can resemble cigars or USB memory sticks and provide the sensation of smoking tobacco. At present, they are increasingly being adopted by young adults in the South American region on account of their cost-effectiveness. Rising awareness about respiratory illness and diseases is increasing the willingness among individuals to quit smoking, which, in turn, is positively influencing the overall sales of e-cigarettes in the South American region. This can be attributed to the positive perception toward e-cigarettes.

According to the research report, “South America E-cigarette Market Outlook, 2028” the market is anticipated to grow with a 9.88% CAGR during the forecast period. The easy availability of a wide range of product flavors via online distribution channels is catalyzing market growth across the South American region. Furthermore, leading players in the industry are relying on social media platforms to implement innovative promotional strategies and expand their consumer base in the region. Besides this, they are also introducing next-generation product variants that involve refillable, pre-filled pod systems, which are anticipated to fuel market growth in the upcoming years.

People are increasingly using E-cigarettes or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) as a substitute for smoking or recreational purposes. Due to the growing health concern over the usage of conventional tobacco-based cigarettes, the e-cigarette market has witnessed significant growth over the past decade. In South America, vaping is either illegal or the laws are uncertain about e-cigarettes. For example, vaping is banned in major countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Venezuela, while there are no definite laws in countries like Peru and Colombia. As enforcement of e-cigarette laws is often open to local authorities, vape shops are often found in places where they are technically illegal in the region. In the entire region, only five regions where the sale of e-cigarettes is legal and allowed are Chile, Ecuador, Honduras, Paraguay, and Costa Rica.

According to the obtained data, around 3,200 children aged 18 and under light their first cigarette daily. Two new young smokers replace every adult smoker who dies prematurely. Although direct marketing to minors is now prohibited, the tobacco industry is still developing, packaging, and advertising its products in ways that appeal to the younger population. However, the companies focus on product innovation according to health and wellness, consumer preference, etc. Since the sales of e-cigarettes are limited to just five South American countries, the distribution of these products is also limited by Chinese private companies such as Innokin Technology and KangerTech.

The South American E-cigarettes market is competitive with many regional players. Some of the major companies selling e-cigarettes in the South American market are KangerTech, Innokin Technology, British American Tobacco, and Smok. Most of these companies sell their range of e-cigarettes via different online websites such as Revolution Vapor Ltda., and C.R. Vapor. Since it's legal to sell or use an e-cigarette in Ecuador, where they are considered 'electronic nicotine delivery systems, advertising of e-cigarettes in Ecuador is only allowed in venues accessed solely by adults, thereby providing some form of consumer knowledge regarding the brands or companies selling their range of e-cigarettes in the country.

Besides this, the introduction of new-generation product variants that offer varying strengths of nicotine, enable easy cartridge refilling, allow temperature control, etc., is further catalyzing the market growth. In line with this, the launch of numerous new flavors, including tobacco, fruits, menthol, chocolate, cola, etc., is acting as another significant growth-inducing factor. In addition to this, the escalating market consolidation among existing manufacturers and retailers via mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and the emerging trend of major tobacco companies investing in vaping products to diversify their businesses are augmenting the regional market. The 2015 combined population of countries that allow e-cig sales is about 110 million, or about one-third of the US population.

The estimated consumption of e-cigarette products is expected to grow for disposable e-cigarette models, and rechargeable and disposable customizers. Today, raw materials for e-cig production are procured mostly from China. Assembly is done based on specific local requirements, with packaging playing an important role. Reselling is done under Chinese brands or rebranded as per the company name. South America E-Cigarette Market noticed the development which includes more efficient e-cigarettes that contain tobacco but have a less-negative impact on health. Also, the next-generation e-cigarettes provide significant technology upgrades and extended battery life. These variants also include refillable, pre-filled pod systems which make usage easy. Some modern e-cigarettes can also resemble USB memory sticks or cigars but can still provide the sensation of smoking tobacco. The government has put several restrictions on the public use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices but the non-tobacco versions have allowed the occasional smokers to move outside restricted spaces.

Recent Developments

• In February 2021, Innokin technology launched the new Sensis pod mod. The Sensis features an upgrade in technology that extends coil life and boosts flavors for an unrivaled experience.
• In August 2021, Philip Morris International Inc announced the launch of IQOS ILUMA, the latest and most innovative addition to its growing portfolio of smoke-free products for adults who would otherwise continue to smoke or use nicotine products. Today, this range of better and more satisfying alternatives to cigarettes includes multiple generations of the IQOS tobacco heating system, the world's No. 1 heated tobacco product.1 Uniquely, the new IQOS ILUMA becomes the brand’s first tobacco-heating system to introduce induction-heating technology, which utilizes no blade and requires no cleaning.

Major Companies present in the market:

British American Tobacco, Turning Point Brands Inc., Philip Morris International Inc., Japan Tobacco, Shenzhen IVPS Technology Co. Ltd., KangerTech, Innokin Technology, Altria Group, Inc.

Considered in this report

• Geography: South America
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report

• South America E-Cigarette market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Country-wise e-cigarette appliances market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Countries covered in the report

• Chile
• Ecuador
• Paraguay

By Product

• Modular E-Cigarette
• Rechargeable E-Cigarette
• Next-Generation E-Cigarette
• Disposable E-Cigarette
• Others

By Flavour

• Tobacco
• Botanical
• Fruit
• Sweet
• Beverage
• Others

By Battery Mode

• Automatic E-cigarette
• Manual E-cigarette

By Distribution Channel

• Offline
• Online

Intended audience:

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to the e-cigarette industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.