Postage stamps trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in postage stamps was worth $123.0 million in 2024, about 1.9 thousand tonnes. That is a fall of 2% since 2017, and down 12% 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 | $123.0M | 1.9K t |
| 2023 | $140.3M | 2.2K t |
| 2022 | $120.4M | 698 t |
| 2021 | $115.0M | 532 t |
| 2020 | $86.1M | 621 t |
| 2019 | $121.3M | 693 t |
| 2018 | $138.6M | 672 t |
| 2017 | $125.2M | 675 t |
Top postage stamps exporting countries
Exports are led by Switzerland (24%), the United Kingdom (21%) and Germany (11%). 150 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 57%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | $29.8M | 24% |
| United Kingdom | $26.3M | 21% |
| Germany | $13.6M | 11% |
| United States | $13.2M | 11% |
| Netherlands | $4.0M | 3.3% |
| China | $3.2M | 2.6% |
| Hong Kong | $3.1M | 2.5% |
| Australia | $2.9M | 2.4% |
| France | $2.8M | 2.3% |
| Denmark | $2.4M | 1.9% |
| Poland | $2.3M | 1.9% |
| Austria | $2.3M | 1.8% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are Switzerland (20%), the United States (20%) and Germany (10%). 156 countries imported it, and the top three take 50% of the value.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | $24.8M | 20% |
| United States | $24.2M | 20% |
| Germany | $12.4M | 10% |
| Hong Kong | $8.1M | 6.6% |
| United Kingdom | $7.8M | 6.3% |
| China | $6.2M | 5% |
| Australia | $3.1M | 2.5% |
| Denmark | $3.0M | 2.4% |
| France | $2.7M | 2.2% |
| Kuwait | $2.3M | 1.8% |
| Canada | $2.2M | 1.8% |
| Norway | $2.1M | 1.7% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $65.67 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Australia averaged $771.35 per kg and China $17.55 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?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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 9704: Stamps, postage or revenue; stamp-postmarks, first-day covers, postal stationery (stamped paper) and like, used or unused, other than those of heading 4907. HS 9704 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most postage stamps?
Switzerland exported $29.8 million in 2024, 24% of the world total, followed by the United Kingdom (21%) and Germany (11%). In all, 150 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most postage stamps?
Switzerland imported $24.8 million in 2024, 20% of world imports, ahead of the United States (20%) and Germany (10%). The top three importers together take 50%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in postage stamps?
It was worth $123.0 million in 2024, about 1.9 thousand tonnes. That is a fall of 2% since 2017. The peak year was 2023 at $140.3 million. 150 countries reported exports and 156 reported imports.
What is the average price of postage stamps per kg?
The world average declared value was about $65.67 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Australia averaged $771.35 per kg and China $17.55 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 postage stamps?
The HS code for postage stamps is heading 9704, in chapter 97 (works of art; collectors' pieces and antiques). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 9704 page.
How can I find postage stamps buyers and suppliers?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX shows the importers and exporters behind this trade from shipment-level customs records, updated weekly, with direct customs feeds and mirror data. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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