The once-steady supply of popular disposable vapes like Geek Bar is rapidly drying up in the U.S., driven by a surge in tariffs, intensified regulatory enforcement, and sweeping product seizures at the border.
Once a staple in vape shops across the country, Geek Bar, an unauthorized but widely available Chinese brand, has become increasingly scarce, with shipments plummeting by over 90% in May 2025 compared to the same period last year.
According to newly released data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), only 71 shipments labeled as e-cigarettes or vapes arrived from China between May 1 and May 28, down from nearly 1,200 in May 2024. The sharp decline follows a combination of stiff 30% tariffs, part of former President Donald Trump’s broader trade policy with China, and aggressive FDA actions targeting illegal vape imports.
Retailers report extreme supply disruptions. One anonymous supplier said they now receive just 10 boxes of Geek Bar per week, down from 100. Others have introduced strict purchase limits and warned of “tariff-related price increases and limited market availability.” Notices from Geek Bar wholesalers confirm a shrinking inventory pipeline as Chinese manufacturers scale back shipments amid rising costs and seizure risks.
Although consumers may soon pay more, some estimate a $5 increase on the current $20 price tag, distributors believe demand will hold. “It’s nicotine. People will pay,” one seller noted.
While some vape manufacturers are reportedly shifting production to lower-tariff countries like Indonesia or Mexico, the regulatory environment remains hostile.
New FDA Commissioner Marty Makary has pledged to intensify enforcement against unauthorized vapes, and seizures in key ports such as Chicago underline that commitment.
With unauthorized brands accounting for an estimated 70% of U.S. vape sales in 2024, the evolving landscape is expected to reshape both pricing and availability for millions of users, and potentially benefit major players like Altria and BAT, who comply with federal rules.
