Ballpoint pen imports in the United States: data, top suppliers and prices
The United States imported $501.9 million of ballpoint pen in 2024 (23.6 thousand tonnes). It ranks 1st of 221 countries for imports of this product. Value rose 13% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $501.9M | 23.6K t |
| 2023 | $442.6M | 19.9K t |
| 2022 | $586.4M | 27.6K t |
| 2021 | $461.7M | 19.1K t |
| 2020 | $402.8M | 18.2K t |
| 2019 | $565.5M | 25.3K t |
| 2018 | $591.0M | 26.7K t |
| 2017 | $618.5M | 30.5K t |
Where the United States imports ballpoint pen from
Most of the value came from China (40%), Japan (28%), Mexico (16%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $201.7M | 40% |
| Japan | $138.2M | 28% |
| Mexico | $80.6M | 16% |
| India | $16.3M | 3.3% |
| Germany | $13.7M | 2.7% |
| South Korea | $11.5M | 2.3% |
| France | $8.6M | 1.7% |
| Tunisia | $6.9M | 1.4% |
| Indonesia | $6.7M | 1.3% |
| Taiwan | $4.1M | 0.8% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $21.22 per kg, 59% above the world average of $13.33. 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.
Ballpoint pen exports from the United States
In 2024, the United States exported ballpoint pen worth $71.1 million (5.1 thousand tonnes). It ranks 8th of 182 countries for exports of this product. Most of it went to Mexico (49%), Canada (27%), Czech Republic (2%).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | $34.8M | 49% |
| Canada | $19.3M | 27% |
| Czech Republic | $1.6M | 2.2% |
| United Kingdom | $1.3M | 1.9% |
| Australia | $1.1M | 1.6% |
| Germany | $1.1M | 1.5% |
| Netherlands | $973K | 1.4% |
| Spain | $854K | 1.2% |
| China | $770K | 1.1% |
| Aruba | $625K | 0.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United States?
The shipment records behind United States ballpoint pen imports (HS 9608.10): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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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 9608.10: Pens: ball point.
Common questions
What is the value of ballpoint pen imported by the United States?
The United States imported ballpoint pen worth $501.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 23.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 1st of 221 countries worldwide, with 16% of world imports. The value was up 13% on 2023.
Which countries supply ballpoint pen to the United States?
China was the largest supplier with 40% of the value ($201.7 million), followed by Japan (28%) and Mexico (16%). The top three together account for 84%, out of 89 supplier countries in total. Indonesia grew fastest among the top ten, up 153% on the year.
What is the average import price of ballpoint pen per kg?
The average declared import value was about $21.22 per kg in 2024, 59% above the world average of $13.33 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of ballpoint pen to the United States changed since 2017?
Imports went from $618.5 million in 2017 to $501.9 million in 2024, a fall of 19%. The peak was 2017 at $618.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $521.3 million a year.
Does the United States also export ballpoint pen?
Yes. The United States exported $71.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Mexico, Canada and the Czech Republic. On balance the United States is a net importer of this product, by about $430.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for ballpoint pen?
The HS code for ballpoint pen is subheading 9608.10. It sits in HS chapter 96 (miscellaneous manufactured articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 9608 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX has a direct customs feed for the United States, so the importers and exporters behind these totals are visible by name, shipment by shipment. Ask for a live look at your product.
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