Paper clips trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in paper clips was worth $227.1 million in 2024, about 57.1 thousand tonnes. That is a fall of 9% since 2017, and down 3% 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 | $227.1M | 57.1K t |
| 2023 | $234.1M | 52.8K t |
| 2022 | $262.2M | 59.2K t |
| 2021 | $230.5M | 54.9K t |
| 2020 | $205.2M | 51.1K t |
| 2019 | $253.7M | 64.8K t |
| 2018 | $259.7M | 67.2K t |
| 2017 | $250.4M | 61.6K t |
Top paper clips exporting countries
China is the largest exporter with 76% of world exports, followed by the United States and Germany. The top three supply 81% between them, out of 132 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $172.3M | 76% |
| United States | $6.4M | 2.8% |
| Germany | $6.3M | 2.8% |
| Slovenia | $6.0M | 2.6% |
| India | $3.4M | 1.5% |
| Netherlands | $2.5M | 1.1% |
| Poland | $2.4M | 1.1% |
| Taiwan | $2.2M | 1% |
| France | $1.7M | 0.8% |
| Hong Kong | $1.7M | 0.8% |
| United Kingdom | $1.7M | 0.8% |
| South Korea | $1.6M | 0.7% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The United States is the biggest buyer with 14% of world imports, ahead of Vietnam and Japan. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 25% across 212 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $32.8M | 15% |
| Vietnam | $13.7M | 6% |
| Japan | $11.1M | 4.9% |
| Thailand | $10.8M | 4.8% |
| Mexico | $10.6M | 4.7% |
| Germany | $9.1M | 4% |
| Indonesia | $8.2M | 3.6% |
| Hong Kong | $7.1M | 3.1% |
| Singapore | $5.5M | 2.4% |
| South Korea | $5.3M | 2.3% |
| Poland | $5.3M | 2.3% |
| Russia | $5.0M | 2.2% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $3.98 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Germany averaged $8.39 per kg and India $2.57 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.
Related product types
Who is behind these numbers in this market?
The shipment records behind Paper clips (HS 8305.90) 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 8305.90: Stationery: letter clips, letter corners, paper clips, indexing tags and similar office articles, including parts, of base metal. HS 8305 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most paper clips?
China exported $172.3 million in 2024, 76% of the world total, followed by the United States (3%) and Germany (3%). In all, 132 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most paper clips?
The United States imported $32.8 million in 2024, 14% of world imports, ahead of Vietnam (6%) and Japan (5%). The top three importers together take 25%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in paper clips?
It was worth $227.1 million in 2024, about 57.1 thousand tonnes. That is a fall of 9% since 2017. The peak year was 2022 at $262.2 million. 132 countries reported exports and 212 reported imports.
What is the average price of paper clips per kg?
The world average declared value was about $3.98 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Germany averaged $8.39 per kg and India $2.57 per kg, so grade and origin matter. The average mixes every grade and size, so use it as a market reference rather than an offer.
What is the HS code for paper clips?
The HS code for paper clips is subheading 8305.90, in chapter 83 (metal; miscellaneous products of base metal). The first six digits are the same in every country; national tariffs add more. The full list of codes is on the HS 8305 page.
How can I find paper clips buyers and suppliers?
EximDataX shows the importers and exporters of paper clips by name, from shipment-level customs records updated weekly. Ask for a live look at the markets you sell to.
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