Now a fashion, a substitute for “classic” cigarettes, the vape grows more and more. Contrary to what most of them think, the idea of electronic cigarettes does not date from yesterday, it dates back to the 1930s, when a similar device obtained a patent in the United States. However, it was not until 2003 that a commercially viable model was born, thanks to the Chinese pharmacist and inventor Hon Lik. Inveterate smoker of 52 years at the time, he was looking for an alternative to conventional cigarettes, which led him to this invention which was going to transform the tobacco industry on a global scale.
Consequently, vaping products have continued to evolve: heated devices with various aromas, this diversification has encouraged many smokers to abandon traditional products, while attracting non-smokers, especially young people. In Morocco, the situation displeases Health experts who have continued to sound the alarm in the face of the disturbing proliferation of “puffs”In the ranks of young people.
In 2024, the number of users of electronic cigarettes worldwide was estimated at around 114 million, according to the Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction report. This figure marks a significant increase compared to 2021, where they were around 82 million.
The world Health Organization (WHO) recommends that governments regulate electronic cigarettes such as tobacco products and prohibit all aromas. However, in 2024, approximately 54 % of the world’s adult population – or 3.1 billion people – had a legally access, compared to 36 % living in countries where their use is prohibited (around 2 billion people). The remaining 10 % live in countries without clear legislation (610 million people), according to the same report.
The global electronic cigarette market has experienced strong growth, achieving a value of $ 24.6 billion in 2024. It is expected to generate 27.2 billion in 2025, according to the Statista platform. The EMARC firm provides for an expansion up to $ 41.6 billion by 2033, with an average annual growth rate of 5.4 % between 2025 and 2033.
Several factors explain this growth: targeted marketing, especially among young people on social networks, a cost lower than that of conventional cigarettes and the perception of a lesser danger to health.
A statist’s survey carried out in early 2022 in the United States revealed that 27 % of generation Y members had already used electronic cigarettes. Despite health worries – several studies point to their harmful effects on health, these devices appeal to an increasing audience, especially young people.
Without being the first country to consume it, Morocco enters the ball by the growing number of young people who use this harmful trend. At the top of the podium, China is the world’s main producer of electronic cigarettes. It manufactures almost 90 % of vaping devices, according to Tobacco Reporter. The city of Shenzhen is considered to be the “ World Vaping Capital», selon The Guardian.
In 2024, Chinese electronic cigarette exports reached $ 11 billion. More than 90 % of this production is intended for export.
For North America, it represents most of the world vaping market, with the United States in mind. Their favorable legal framework has contributed to the rapid growth of this market. Europe follows, with the United Kingdom, France and Sweden among the most consumer countries, thanks to public policies authorizing and supervising their use.
In Asia, use is particularly widespread in Indonesia, South Korea and Japan. The Middle East region and North Africa (MENA) does not outdone. It has rapid growth. In 2024, the Gulf Cooperation Council Market (CCG) was estimated at $ 670 million, and could reach 2.34 billion by 2033 (annual growth of 14.2 %), according to the Market Research and Consulting (EMARC) market.
The region led as a whole should exceed $ 1.5 billion in 2025, the Gulf countries representing the majority of this value, according to the Hangsen Group. Key markets: Saudi Arabia: $ 610 million in 2024 (more than 60 % of the regional market). Strict regulations aligned with European standards. The United Arab Emirates: 250 to $ 300 million, with Dubai as commercial hub and Egypt: 150 to $ 200 million. Market very sensitive to price, dominated by open system devices and informal sales circuits.
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