Magnetic tape media trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in magnetic tape media was worth $3.12 billion in 2024, about 22.3 thousand tonnes. That is a fall of 31% since 2017, and up 25% 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 | $3.12B | 22.3K t |
| 2023 | $2.49B | 18.5K t |
| 2022 | $3.35B | 28.9K t |
| 2021 | $4.18B | 37.3K t |
| 2020 | $3.98B | 33.2K t |
| 2019 | $4.08B | 41.4K t |
| 2018 | $4.67B | 46.9K t |
| 2017 | $4.52B | 49.0K t |
Top magnetic tape media exporting countries
Singapore is the largest exporter with 27% of world exports, followed by China and Japan. The top three supply 69% between them, out of 153 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore | $841.7M | 27% |
| China | $821.5M | 26% |
| Japan | $502.2M | 16% |
| Malaysia | $458.5M | 15% |
| United States | $106.6M | 3.4% |
| Germany | $52.7M | 1.7% |
| South Korea | $47.2M | 1.5% |
| France | $36.0M | 1.2% |
| Czech Republic | $36.0M | 1.2% |
| Netherlands | $25.8M | 0.8% |
| Thailand | $25.0M | 0.8% |
| United Kingdom | $21.7M | 0.7% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
Thailand is the biggest buyer with 42% of world imports, ahead of China and the Philippines. Demand is concentrated: the top three take 69% across 204 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | $1.30B | 42% |
| China | $470.7M | 15% |
| Philippines | $393.8M | 13% |
| United States | $107.5M | 3.4% |
| Germany | $96.2M | 3.1% |
| Mexico | $75.8M | 2.4% |
| Singapore | $66.8M | 2.1% |
| Hong Kong | $65.1M | 2.1% |
| Czech Republic | $65.0M | 2.1% |
| France | $58.8M | 1.9% |
| United Kingdom | $44.7M | 1.4% |
| Malaysia | $35.9M | 1.2% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $140.18 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, South Korea averaged $346.31 per kg and France $55.32 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 Magnetic tape media (HS 8523.29) 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 8523.29: Magnetic media: other than cards incorporating a magnetic stripe, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37. HS 8523 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most magnetic tape media?
Singapore exported $841.7 million in 2024, 27% of the world total, followed by China (26%) and Japan (16%). In all, 153 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most magnetic tape media?
Thailand imported $1.30 billion in 2024, 42% of world imports, ahead of China (15%) and the Philippines (13%). The top three importers together take 69%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in magnetic tape media?
It was worth $3.12 billion in 2024, about 22.3 thousand tonnes. That is a fall of 31% since 2017. The peak year was 2018 at $4.67 billion. 153 countries reported exports and 204 reported imports.
What is the average price of magnetic tape media per kg?
The world average declared value was about $140.18 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, South Korea averaged $346.31 per kg and France $55.32 per kg, so grade and origin matter. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so treat it as a benchmark, not a quote.
What is the HS code for magnetic tape media?
The HS code for magnetic tape media is subheading 8523.29, in chapter 85 (electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers; television image and sound recorders and reproducers, parts and accessories of such articles). The first six digits are the same in every country; national tariffs add more. The full list of codes is on the HS 8523 page.
How can I find magnetic tape media buyers and suppliers?
EximDataX shows the importers and exporters of magnetic tape media by name, from shipment-level customs records updated weekly. Ask for a live look at the markets you sell to.
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