U.S. youth smoking and vaping hit historic lows, nicotine pouch use steadies

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's 2025 National Youth Tobacco Survey, published in July 2026, recorded a historic 1.4% smoking rate among students aged 11-18, a dramatic decline from the 36% reported in 1997. E-cigarette use dropped to 5.2%, the lowest level since its 2019 peak, and nicotine pouch use stabilized at 1.7% after several years of growth. Public-health researchers emphasize that adult smoking rates have remained relatively steady, keeping older populations at higher risk.

WHO data comparing comparable nations show higher teenage vaping rates in Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, though U.S. adult smoking fell below 10% by 2024. The U.S. vaping market is still dominated by unauthorized products, prompting continued regulatory attention. These findings highlight a positive shift among youth but underscore the need for ongoing surveillance to prevent a reversal.