Magnetic stripe cards exports from the United Kingdom: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, the United Kingdom exported magnetic stripe cards worth $26.8 million (1.1 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 3rd largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 147 countries. That is close to the 2023 level. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $26.8M | 1.1K t |
| 2023 | $26.6M | 1.0K t |
| 2022 | $31.1M | 1.2K t |
| 2021 | $31.4M | 1.2K t |
| 2020 | $20.5M | 726 t |
| 2019 | $24.2M | 1.9K t |
| 2018 | $26.6M | 763 t |
| 2017 | $28.6M | 2.1K t |
Where the United Kingdom exports magnetic stripe cards to
Most of it went to France (21%), Czech Republic (16%), United States (13%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 50%. Among the main buyer markets, Austria grew fastest (+220% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $5.6M | 21% |
| Czech Republic | $4.3M | 16% |
| United States | $3.4M | 13% |
| China | $2.9M | 11% |
| Australia | $1.9M | 7.2% |
| Ireland | $1.9M | 7.1% |
| Germany | $1.3M | 4.9% |
| Netherlands | $986K | 3.7% |
| Denmark | $809K | 3% |
| Austria | $445K | 1.7% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $24.41 per kg, close to the world average of $29.31.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Magnetic stripe cards imports to the United Kingdom
In 2024, the United Kingdom imported magnetic stripe cards worth $5.8 million (282 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. Most of the value came from Italy (38%), France (17%), United States (16%). Among the main suppliers, Austria grew fastest (+542% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | $2.2M | 39% |
| France | $1.0M | 17% |
| United States | $915K | 16% |
| China | $611K | 11% |
| Germany | $283K | 4.9% |
| Thailand | $132K | 2.3% |
| Austria | $113K | 1.9% |
| Japan | $96K | 1.7% |
| Ireland | $80K | 1.4% |
| Taiwan | $54K | 0.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom magnetic stripe cards exports (HS 8523.21): 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 8523.21: Magnetic media: cards incorporating a magnetic stripe, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37.
Common questions
What is the value of magnetic stripe cards exported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom exported magnetic stripe cards worth $26.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 3rd of 147 countries worldwide, with 9% of world exports. The value was up 1% on 2023.
Which countries buy magnetic stripe cards from the United Kingdom?
France was the largest buyer with 21% of the value ($5.6 million), followed by the Czech Republic (16%) and the United States (13%). The top three together account for 50%, out of 100 buyer countries in total. Austria grew fastest among the top ten, up 220% on the year.
What is the average export price of magnetic stripe cards per kg?
The average declared export value was about $24.41 per kg in 2024, 17% below the world average of $29.31 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of magnetic stripe cards from the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Exports went from $28.6 million in 2017 to $26.8 million in 2024, a fall of 6%. The peak was 2021 at $31.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $27.0 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also import magnetic stripe cards?
Yes. The United Kingdom imported $5.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Italy, France and the United States. On balance the United Kingdom is a net exporter of this product, by about $20.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for magnetic stripe cards?
The HS code for magnetic stripe cards is subheading 8523.21. It sits in HS 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 full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8523 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 magnetic stripe cards trade: top importers and exporters
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