Lithographic printing plates imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of lithographic printing plates by the United Kingdom reached $17.4 million in 2024 (1.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. That is 22% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 8% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $30.7 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $17.4M | 1.2K t |
| 2023 | $14.3M | 929 t |
| 2022 | $16.5M | 1.0K t |
| 2021 | $14.6M | 844 t |
| 2020 | $15.3M | 804 t |
| 2019 | $12.6M | 894 t |
| 2018 | $14.7M | 1.8K t |
| 2017 | $30.7M | 9.7K t |
Where the United Kingdom imports lithographic printing plates from
Most of the value came from United States (25%), Germany (16%), China (10%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+180% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $4.4M | 25% |
| Germany | $2.8M | 16% |
| China | $1.8M | 10% |
| Poland | $1.3M | 7.4% |
| Belgium | $1.2M | 6.9% |
| Switzerland | $1.2M | 6.6% |
| Italy | $1.0M | 6% |
| Turkey | $524K | 3% |
| Netherlands | $487K | 2.8% |
| Malta | $435K | 2.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $15.11 per kg, 20% above the world average of $12.57. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Lithographic printing plates exports from the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom exported $16.6 million of lithographic printing plates in 2024 (805 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 2%. Most of it went to Germany (17%), Ireland (13%), France (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 41%. Among the main buyer markets, United States grew fastest (+49% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $2.7M | 17% |
| Ireland | $2.1M | 13% |
| France | $1.9M | 12% |
| United States | $1.0M | 6.3% |
| Italy | $710K | 4.3% |
| Turkey | $642K | 3.9% |
| Spain | $609K | 3.7% |
| Sweden | $453K | 2.7% |
| Netherlands | $432K | 2.6% |
| China | $431K | 2.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom lithographic printing plates imports (HS 8442.50): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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Direct customs feed: shipment-level records from the official customs source.
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 8442.50: Plates, cylinders and other printing components: lithographic stones prepared for printing purposes (for example, planed, grained or polished).
Common questions
What is the value of lithographic printing plates imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported lithographic printing plates worth $17.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 13th of 193 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was up 22% on 2023.
Which countries supply lithographic printing plates to the United Kingdom?
The United States was the largest supplier with 25% of the value ($4.4 million), followed by Germany (16%) and China (10%). The top three together account for 52%, out of 45 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 180% on the year.
What is the average import price of lithographic printing plates per kg?
The average declared import value was about $15.11 per kg in 2024, 20% above the world average of $12.57 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of lithographic printing plates to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $30.7 million in 2017 to $17.4 million in 2024, a fall of 43%. The peak was 2017 at $30.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $17.0 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export lithographic printing plates?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $16.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Germany, Ireland and France. That compares with imports of $17.4 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for lithographic printing plates?
The HS code for lithographic printing plates is subheading 8442.50. It sits in HS chapter 84 (machinery and mechanical appliances, boilers, nuclear reactors; parts thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8442 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX has a direct customs feed for the United Kingdom, so the importers and exporters behind these totals are visible by name, shipment by shipment. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World lithographic printing plates trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United Kingdom
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