Paper clips imports in the United States: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of paper clips by the United States reached $32.8 million in 2024 (9.0 thousand tonnes). It ranks 1st of 212 countries for imports of this product. The value was almost unchanged from 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 | $32.8M | 9.0K t |
| 2023 | $33.4M | 8.2K t |
| 2022 | $28.0M | 6.9K t |
| 2021 | $26.8M | 6.4K t |
| 2020 | $26.0M | 6.3K t |
| 2019 | $29.5M | 7.1K t |
| 2018 | $32.0M | 7.5K t |
| 2017 | $34.8M | 8.4K t |
Where the United States imports paper clips from
China alone supplied 81% of it. Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+63% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $26.5M | 81% |
| India | $3.0M | 9.1% |
| Canada | $950K | 2.9% |
| Hong Kong | $630K | 1.9% |
| Taiwan | $530K | 1.6% |
| Singapore | $181K | 0.6% |
| New Zealand | $171K | 0.5% |
| Japan | $137K | 0.4% |
| Colombia | $126K | 0.4% |
| South Korea | $93K | 0.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.65 per kg, close to the world average of $3.98.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Paper clips exports from the United States
In 2024, the United States exported paper clips worth $6.4 million (1.3 thousand tonnes). It ranks 2nd of 132 countries for exports of this product. The largest buyer markets were Mexico (42%), Canada (22%), Jordan (5%). Among the main buyer markets, China grew fastest (+623% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | $2.7M | 42% |
| Canada | $1.4M | 22% |
| Jordan | $302K | 4.8% |
| Saudi Arabia | $240K | 3.8% |
| China | $178K | 2.8% |
| South Korea | $109K | 1.7% |
| Costa Rica | $103K | 1.6% |
| Panama | $102K | 1.6% |
| Singapore | $94K | 1.5% |
| United Kingdom | $90K | 1.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United States?
The shipment records behind United States paper clips imports (HS 8305.90): 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 8305.90: Stationery: letter clips, letter corners, paper clips, indexing tags and similar office articles, including parts, of base metal.
Common questions
What is the value of paper clips imported by the United States?
The United States imported paper clips worth $32.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 9.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 1st of 212 countries worldwide, with 14% of world imports. The value was down 2% on 2023.
Which countries supply paper clips to the United States?
China was the largest supplier with 81% of the value ($26.5 million), followed by India (9%) and Canada (3%). The top three together account for 93%, out of 48 supplier countries in total. Hong Kong grew fastest among the top ten, up 98% on the year.
What is the average import price of paper clips per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.65 per kg in 2024, 8% below the world average of $3.98 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of paper clips to the United States changed since 2017?
Imports went from $34.8 million in 2017 to $32.8 million in 2024, a fall of 6%. The peak was 2017 at $34.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $30.4 million a year.
Does the United States also export paper clips?
Yes. The United States exported $6.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Mexico, Canada and Jordan. On balance the United States is a net importer of this product, by about $26.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for paper clips?
The HS code for paper clips is subheading 8305.90. It sits in HS chapter 83 (metal; miscellaneous products of base metal). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8305 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Shipment-level records for the United States 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
More trade data for the United States
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