Data readers and transcription machines exports from the United States: data, top buyers and prices
The United States exported $952.4 million of data readers and transcription machines in 2024 (2.8 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 3rd largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 187 countries. Value fell 43% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2023, at $1.67 billion.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $952.4M | 2.8K t |
| 2023 | $1.67B | 5.4K t |
| 2022 | $1.12B | 3.9K t |
| 2021 | $981.4M | 5.6K t |
| 2020 | $869.0M | 3.9K t |
| 2019 | $962.5M | 3.7K t |
| 2018 | $923.0M | 3.8K t |
| 2017 | $887.0M | 4.2K t |
Where the United States exports data readers and transcription machines to
Most of it went to Canada (23%), Australia (7%), Germany (6%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 36%. Among the main buyer markets, Sweden grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | $220.0M | 23% |
| Australia | $68.1M | 7.2% |
| Germany | $53.5M | 5.6% |
| Netherlands | $53.5M | 5.6% |
| Mexico | $50.2M | 5.3% |
| United Kingdom | $43.7M | 4.6% |
| Brazil | $38.9M | 4.1% |
| United Arab Emirates | $31.7M | 3.3% |
| Sweden | $30.2M | 3.2% |
| Singapore | $28.0M | 2.9% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $337.00 per kg, 121% above the world average of $152.76. 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.
Data readers and transcription machines imports to the United States
The United States imported $787.3 million of data readers and transcription machines in 2024 (2.9 thousand tonnes). It ranks 1st of 220 countries for imports of this product. Most of the value came from Germany (17%), Vietnam (10%), China (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 36%. Among the main suppliers, Vietnam grew fastest (+75% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $130.4M | 17% |
| Vietnam | $79.3M | 10% |
| China | $75.1M | 9.5% |
| Taiwan | $73.3M | 9.3% |
| United Kingdom | $48.4M | 6.2% |
| Canada | $42.0M | 5.3% |
| Indonesia | $41.5M | 5.3% |
| Thailand | $41.3M | 5.3% |
| Mexico | $29.6M | 3.8% |
| France | $28.1M | 3.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United States?
The shipment records behind United States data readers and transcription machines exports (HS 8471.90): 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 8471.90: Magnetic or optical readers, machines for transcribing data onto data media in coded form and machines for processing such data, not elsewhere specified or included.
Common questions
What is the value of data readers and transcription machines exported by the United States?
The United States exported data readers and transcription machines worth $952.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 3rd of 187 countries worldwide, with 13% of world exports. The value was down 43% on 2023.
Which countries buy data readers and transcription machines from the United States?
Canada was the largest buyer with 23% of the value ($220.0 million), followed by Australia (7%) and Germany (6%). The top three together account for 36%, out of 176 buyer countries in total.
What is the average export price of data readers and transcription machines per kg?
The average declared export value was about $337.00 per kg in 2024, 121% above the world average of $152.76 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of data readers and transcription machines from the United States changed since 2017?
Exports went from $887.0 million in 2017 to $952.4 million in 2024, an increase of 7%. The peak was 2023 at $1.67 billion. Over 8 years the average was $1.05 billion a year.
Does the United States also import data readers and transcription machines?
Yes. The United States imported $787.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Germany, Vietnam and China. On balance the United States is a net exporter of this product, by about $165.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for data readers and transcription machines?
The HS code for data readers and transcription machines is subheading 8471.90. 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 8471 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.
Same product, other countries
World data readers and transcription machines trade: top importers and exporters
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