Why Do Those Who Truly Understand E-cigarettes Not Leave This Industry?

Over the past two years, if you have been following industry news frequently, you might have had a feeling that the e-cigarette industry might be in decline? Policies, regulations, bans, law enforcement... almost every day there are bad news. But there is an interesting phenomenon: many people who truly understand this industry have actually not left. Factories are still running,
brands are still developing new products,
and overseas marketing teams are still contacting customers. Why? Because many experienced practitioners understand several things. The first thing: Global demand has not disappeared. If you only look at the news, you might think that many countries are restricting e-cigarettes. This is true, but if you look at the market data, you will find another thing: Demand still exists. In the UK, e-cigarettes are still regarded as a tool to help smokers reduce the harm from traditional tobacco. In the US, e-cigarettes still have a large consumer base. Many countries' policies have tightened, not to eliminate this industry, but to make it more regulated. The second thing: The Chinese supply chain is still irreplaceable, no matter how the industry changes. No matter how the industry changes, global e-cigarette manufacturing still highly relies on China. From research and development to production, from supply chain to iteration speed, Chinese enterprises have formed a complete system. Many overseas brands actually know very well: If they leave the Chinese supply chain, it is difficult to maintain product competitiveness. That's why, even with policy fluctuations, the industry is still operating. The third thing: The industry is changing from an "opportunity business" to a "long-term business". In the past few years, the e-cigarette industry has indeed attracted many speculators. Some make money through channels, some through information gaps, and some through short-term bestsellers. But now, these models are becoming increasingly difficult. A change is happening in the industry: The truly remaining enterprises are beginning to think about the long term. For example: compliance, technology, brand, and the global market. This is actually a sign of the industry's maturity. The fourth thing: Every regulatory upgrade will give rise to new leading companies. Many veteran players have experienced similar cycles. From the earliest chaotic market period to the subsequent policy rectification and then to brand concentration. Almost all consumer industries have gone through this path. The e-cigarette industry is actually going through the same process. When market barriers increase, some enterprises will exit, but the remaining companies tend to be stronger. The fifth thing: The demand for quitting smoking will not disappear, no matter how the policies change. There is a reality that is difficult to change: There are still a large number of smokers worldwide. Many public health institutions have begun to discuss "health reduction". In some countries, such as the UK, e-cigarettes are regarded as one of the alternatives to traditional tobacco. That's why, this industry always has market space. So you will see an interesting phenomenon: The news seems pessimistic, but the industry has not stopped. Factories are still producing, products are still being updated, and the market is still changing. Many people who truly understand this industry, in fact, have not left. They have just become more cautious and more long-term-oriented. The real dividing line of the industry may be happening. In the past few years, the e-cigarette industry has experienced rapid growth, and now, the industry is entering a new stage: clearer rules, higher barriers, and more professional competition. This may be bad news for short-term players, but it may not be for those who really want to pursue a long-term career. If you are still in the e-cigarette industry now, whether you are a factory, brand, channel, or service provider, it may indicate one thing: You have passed through the most chaotic stage of the industry. In the new year, I wish all those who are still working hard in this industry: Good business!