Photographic base paper imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
The United Kingdom imported $5.7 million of photographic base paper in 2024 (2.4 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 7th largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 199 countries. Value rose 43% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 8% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $10.2 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 | $5.7M | 2.4K t |
| 2023 | $4.0M | 1.2K t |
| 2022 | $4.0M | 1.0K t |
| 2021 | $4.7M | 977 t |
| 2020 | $6.5M | 3.0K t |
| 2019 | $6.1M | 2.8K t |
| 2018 | $5.4M | 2.8K t |
| 2017 | $10.2M | 7.9K t |
Where the United Kingdom imports photographic base paper from
China alone supplied 67% of it. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+73% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $3.8M | 67% |
| Ireland | $765K | 14% |
| United States | $577K | 10% |
| Italy | $143K | 2.5% |
| Hong Kong | $125K | 2.2% |
| India | $60K | 1.1% |
| Vietnam | $38K | 0.7% |
| South Korea | $37K | 0.6% |
| Netherlands | $35K | 0.6% |
| Germany | $17K | 0.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.36 per kg, close to the world average of $2.18.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Photographic base paper exports from the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom exported $703 thousand of photographic base paper in 2024 (330 tonnes). Most of it went to United States (17%), Ireland (12%), Netherlands (11%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 40%. Among the main buyer markets, Spain grew fastest (+370% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $122K | 17% |
| Ireland | $82K | 12% |
| Netherlands | $76K | 11% |
| India | $58K | 8.2% |
| France | $52K | 7.4% |
| Spain | $44K | 6.2% |
| Italy | $27K | 3.8% |
| Switzerland | $24K | 3.3% |
| Canada | $17K | 2.4% |
| Germany | $16K | 2.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom photographic base paper imports (HS 4802.20): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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 4802.20: Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803): of a kind used as a base for photo-sensitive, heat-sensitive or electro-sensitive paper or paperboard, in rolls or sheets.
Common questions
What is the value of photographic base paper imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported photographic base paper worth $5.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 7th of 199 countries worldwide, with 4% of world imports. The value was up 43% on 2023.
Which countries supply photographic base paper to the United Kingdom?
China was the largest supplier with 67% of the value ($3.8 million), followed by Ireland (13%) and the United States (10%). The top three together account for 91%, out of 32 supplier countries in total. South Korea grew fastest among the top ten, up 129% on the year.
What is the average import price of photographic base paper per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.36 per kg in 2024, 8% above the world average of $2.18 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of photographic base paper to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $10.2 million in 2017 to $5.7 million in 2024, a fall of 44%. The peak was 2017 at $10.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $5.8 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export photographic base paper?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $703 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, Ireland and the Netherlands. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $5.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for photographic base paper?
The HS code for photographic base paper is subheading 4802.20. It sits in HS chapter 48 (paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, of paper or paperboard). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4802 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Shipment-level records for the United Kingdom reach EximDataX from a direct customs feed, with company names, dates and declared values. We can show them for your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World photographic base paper trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United Kingdom
- Printing paper 40-150g/m2 (small sheets)
- Printing paper 40-150g/m2 (rolls)
- Mechanical pulp printing paper (rolls)
- Printing paper 40-150g/m2 (large sheets)
- Heavyweight printing paper (over 150g/m2)
- Mechanical pulp printing paper (large sheets)
- Mechanical pulp printing paper (small sheets)
- Wallpaper base paper
- All United Kingdom trade data
- HS 4802 codes
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