Postage stamps and securities trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in postage stamps and securities was worth $2.32 billion in 2024, about 42.9 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 19% since 2017, and down 5% 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 | $2.32B | 42.9K t |
| 2023 | $2.44B | 32.4K t |
| 2022 | $3.85B | 45.2K t |
| 2021 | $3.48B | 38.1K t |
| 2020 | $3.15B | 34.8K t |
| 2019 | $2.25B | 28.2K t |
| 2018 | $2.39B | 30.0K t |
| 2017 | $1.95B | 33.0K t |
Top postage stamps and securities exporting countries
Exports are led by Malta (11%), Germany (10%) and China (7%). 198 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 29%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Malta | $256.8M | 11% |
| Germany | $242.1M | 10% |
| China | $163.1M | 7% |
| France | $151.9M | 6.6% |
| Malaysia | $128.4M | 5.5% |
| United Kingdom | $124.0M | 5.3% |
| Australia | $118.8M | 5.1% |
| Mexico | $104.8M | 4.5% |
| United States | $102.4M | 4.4% |
| Bahamas | $95.2M | 4.1% |
| Switzerland | $78.4M | 3.4% |
| Morocco | $69.4M | 3% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are China (12%), the United States (9%) and the Philippines (8%). 204 countries imported it, and the top three take 28% of the value.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $267.0M | 12% |
| United States | $202.3M | 8.7% |
| Philippines | $176.5M | 7.6% |
| Nigeria | $174.6M | 7.5% |
| Argentina | $152.5M | 6.6% |
| Malawi | $77.4M | 3.3% |
| Morocco | $77.3M | 3.3% |
| Angola | $57.6M | 2.5% |
| Germany | $46.9M | 2% |
| Ghana | $46.6M | 2% |
| Uganda | $45.3M | 2% |
| Malaysia | $41.1M | 1.8% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $54.12 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Mexico averaged $19,079.85 per kg and Germany $36.91 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
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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 4907: Unused postage, revenue or similar stamps of current or new issue in the country in which they have, or will have, a recognised face value; stamp-impressed paper; cheque forms; banknotes, stock, share or bond certificates and the like of similar title. HS 4907 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most postage stamps and securities?
Malta exported $256.8 million in 2024, 11% of the world total, followed by Germany (10%) and China (7%). In all, 198 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most postage stamps and securities?
China imported $267.0 million in 2024, 12% of world imports, ahead of the United States (9%) and the Philippines (8%). The top three importers together take 28%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in postage stamps and securities?
It was worth $2.32 billion in 2024, about 42.9 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 19% since 2017. The peak year was 2022 at $3.85 billion. 198 countries reported exports and 204 reported imports.
What is the average price of postage stamps and securities per kg?
The world average declared value was about $54.12 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Mexico averaged $19,079.85 per kg and Germany $36.91 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 and securities?
The HS code for postage stamps and securities is heading 4907, in chapter 49 (printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts, typescripts and plans). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 4907 page.
How can I find postage stamps and securities 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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