Data readers and transcription machines trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in data readers and transcription machines was worth $7.51 billion in 2024, about 49.2 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 14% since 2017, and down 15% on 2023.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
World trade by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $7.51B | 49.2K t |
| 2023 | $8.81B | 53.4K t |
| 2022 | $7.72B | 50.3K t |
| 2021 | $7.47B | 62.2K t |
| 2020 | $7.15B | 56.0K t |
| 2019 | $7.46B | 56.4K t |
| 2018 | $7.58B | 54.9K t |
| 2017 | $6.61B | 52.9K t |
Top data readers and transcription machines exporting countries
Exports are led by China (16%), Germany (13%) and the United States (13%). 187 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 42%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.22B | 16% |
| Germany | $983.6M | 13% |
| United States | $952.4M | 13% |
| Netherlands | $594.1M | 7.9% |
| Vietnam | $356.7M | 4.8% |
| Mexico | $354.8M | 4.7% |
| Taiwan | $278.3M | 3.7% |
| Japan | $234.2M | 3.1% |
| United Kingdom | $212.3M | 2.8% |
| Ireland | $194.8M | 2.6% |
| Slovakia | $175.9M | 2.3% |
| Indonesia | $172.1M | 2.3% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are the United States (10%), Germany (10%) and the Netherlands (5%). 220 countries imported it, and the top three take 26% of the value.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $787.3M | 11% |
| Germany | $775.3M | 10% |
| Netherlands | $358.0M | 4.8% |
| China | $340.0M | 4.5% |
| Canada | $316.7M | 4.2% |
| Australia | $313.9M | 4.2% |
| United Kingdom | $297.7M | 4% |
| Spain | $284.3M | 3.8% |
| Singapore | $245.4M | 3.3% |
| Thailand | $224.2M | 3% |
| Japan | $218.7M | 2.9% |
| France | $201.8M | 2.7% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $152.76 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Mexico averaged $394.08 per kg and China $91.79 per kg, so grade and origin matter.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments worldwide. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in this market?
The shipment records behind Data readers and transcription machines (HS 8471.90) importers and exporters, worldwide: companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 8471.90: Magnetic or optical readers, machines for transcribing data onto data media in coded form and machines for processing such data, not elsewhere specified or included. HS 8471 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most data readers and transcription machines?
China exported $1.22 billion in 2024, 16% of the world total, followed by Germany (13%) and the United States (13%). In all, 187 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most data readers and transcription machines?
The United States imported $787.3 million in 2024, 10% of world imports, ahead of Germany (10%) and the Netherlands (5%). The top three importers together take 26%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in data readers and transcription machines?
It was worth $7.51 billion in 2024, about 49.2 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 14% since 2017. The peak year was 2023 at $8.81 billion. 187 countries reported exports and 220 reported imports.
What is the average price of data readers and transcription machines per kg?
The world average declared value was about $152.76 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Mexico averaged $394.08 per kg and China $91.79 per kg, so grade and origin matter. Read it as a benchmark: it blends all grades, origins and contract terms.
What is the HS code for data readers and transcription machines?
The HS code for data readers and transcription machines is subheading 8471.90, in chapter 84 (machinery and mechanical appliances, boilers, nuclear reactors; parts thereof). The first six digits are the same in every country; national tariffs add more. The full list of codes is on the HS 8471 page.
How can I find data readers and transcription machines buyers and suppliers?
Company names sit below these country totals: EximDataX reads the customs records shipment by shipment, with dates and values. We can show data readers and transcription machines buyers and suppliers on a short call.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.