If you've had a tough time getting your hands on Geek Bar vapes lately, you're not alone. The U.S. is currently facing a major vape shortage, and it’s hitting some of the most popular disposable brands hard—including Geek Bar.
What’s Causing the Shortage?
The issue comes down to a mix of heavy tariffs, strict border enforcement, and product seizures. In early 2025, vape shipments from China—a global manufacturing hub for disposables—dropped drastically. This was largely due to increased import taxes and government crackdowns on unauthorized vape products.
Brands like Geek Bar, which haven’t been officially authorized by the FDA, have been caught in the middle. Previously available almost everywhere due to weak import controls, they're now restricted, delayed, or flat-out seized at the border.
Retailers Feel the Squeeze
Wholesale suppliers who once received hundreds of boxes weekly are now seeing a 90%+ drop in supply. Some stores are being limited to just a few boxes at a time, and costs are rising fast due to added tariffs and limited availability.
While prices are expected to go up, many distributors say it likely won’t slow demand. Let’s face it—vapers who rely on these products aren’t about to stop because of a $5 price jump.
How Brands Are Adapting
Some vape manufacturers are now shifting production to countries like Indonesia or Vietnam to dodge U.S.-China tariffs. Others are rumored to be relabeling shipments to avoid detection. Still, enforcement at the U.S. border is tighter than ever, and major seizures are on the rise.
What It Means for You
If you're a fan of brands like Geek Bar, be prepared for limited stock, higher prices, and potential delays. While big tobacco-backed products remain widely available, many of the popular, flavor-packed disposable brands may become harder to find or more expensive in the short term.
Here at Pink Bandit, we’re staying ahead of the curve—keeping our inventory fresh, updating our stock daily, and helping our customers navigate this changing vape landscape.
