U.S. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina has joined Senator Steve Daines of Montana and other Senate Republicans in urging the Department of Treasury and the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to address the rise of illicit Chinese e-cigarettes entering the U.S. market.
In a letter sent to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and USTR Ambassador Jamieson Greer, the senators highlighted concerns about the volume of illegal e-cigarettes from China. The letter states: “We write to draw your attention to the growing risks associated with the massive volumes of illicit Chinese e-cigarettes flooding into the United States. We fully support President Trump’s aggressive, multi-agency enforcement actions taken to confront this pressing threat as addressing illegal activity of this magnitude and consequence requires a comprehensive strategy and response. Accordingly, we respectfully urge the Treasury Department and the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to take appropriate action within their respective authorities.”
The senators pointed to China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration (STMA) as a source of these products, noting: “The Chinese Communist Party, through China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration (STMA), exports hundreds of millions of illegal e-cigarettes to the United States each year, flooding the domestic market, and generating billions of dollars in revenue. The proceeds generated by STMA may be helping to fund military or technological initiatives designed to undermine American economic and strategic interests. Federal agencies have also linked Chinese manufacturers to Mexican cartels and money laundering operations. Earlier this year, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) reported that illicit Chinese e-cigarettes are being used as part of a trade-based money laundering scheme to move fentanyl proceeds on behalf of Mexican cartels.”
The letter calls for coordinated action: “Given the scale and severity of this threat, we urge the Treasury Department and USTR to use their respective enforcement and diplomatic authorities to combat illegal Chinese e-cigarettes. Whether tackling money laundering operations via FinCEN or negotiating directly with Chinese leaders to prevent future shipments of illegal e-cigarettes, your leadership is necessary to help curtail this growing security risk. We appreciate your consideration and are ready to assist.”
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson expressed his support for Senator Scott’s efforts, stating: “In South Carolina, during a recent crackdown on illegal THC products being sold in vape shops, we also saw what a serious public safety issue illegal Chinese nicotine vapes are creating. They’re targeting our teens and children with fruity flavors and designs that contain technology and games. These products are not only addictive but extremely dangerous because we have no idea what chemicals might be in them,” said Wilson. “Our investigators also believe that Chinese- made vape components are used to make extremely potent THC vape pens that also often find their way into the hands of minors.”
Sally Foster, executive director of the South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, added: “South Carolina’s sheriffs see firsthand the impact these illicit Chinese e-cigarettes are having on our communities,” she said. “These products raise public safety concerns, place our young people at risk, and support criminal networks that operate well beyond our state and national borders. We appreciate the continued support of our federal leaders for the work of state and local law enforcement in protecting our communities, and we respectfully urge timely action on this important issue.”
Senator Scott represents South Carolina in Congress with a focus on economic development, education, health care policy issues, workforce development, community resources for residents in his state, as well as participation in Senate committees such as Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; Finance; Health; Education; Labor; Pensions; Small Business; Entrepreneurship (official website). He has championed Opportunity Zones legislation aimed at increasing investment in economically distressed areas (official website).
