Pencil lead imports in the United States: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United States imported pencil lead worth $7.6 million (665 tonnes). That makes it the largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 187 countries. Value fell 19% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $11.0 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 | $7.6M | 665 t |
| 2023 | $9.3M | 681 t |
| 2022 | $9.6M | 1.0K t |
| 2021 | $11.0M | 890 t |
| 2020 | $10.4M | 795 t |
| 2019 | $8.2M | 721 t |
| 2018 | $8.4M | 822 t |
| 2017 | $6.5M | 773 t |
Where the United States imports pencil lead from
Most of the value came from China (40%), Japan (34%), Germany (6%). Among the main suppliers, Thailand grew fastest (+441% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $3.1M | 40% |
| Japan | $2.6M | 34% |
| Germany | $440K | 5.8% |
| Vietnam | $281K | 3.7% |
| Sweden | $242K | 3.2% |
| Romania | $210K | 2.8% |
| Thailand | $209K | 2.8% |
| South Korea | $108K | 1.4% |
| Mexico | $91K | 1.2% |
| United Kingdom | $83K | 1.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $11.43 per kg, 58% above the world average of $7.22. 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.
Pencil lead exports from the United States
Exports of pencil lead by the United States reached $803 thousand in 2024 (34 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. The largest buyer markets were Mexico (33%), Canada (26%), Hong Kong (5%). Among the main buyer markets, Nigeria grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | $268K | 33% |
| Canada | $211K | 26% |
| Hong Kong | $41K | 5.1% |
| Italy | $25K | 3.1% |
| Barbados | $21K | 2.7% |
| Nigeria | $21K | 2.6% |
| France | $21K | 2.6% |
| Bahamas | $18K | 2.3% |
| Brazil | $18K | 2.2% |
| Germany | $15K | 1.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United States?
The shipment records behind United States pencil lead imports (HS 9609.20): 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 9609.20: Pencil leads: black or coloured.
Common questions
What is the value of pencil lead imported by the United States?
The United States imported pencil lead worth $7.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 665 tonnes. That ranks it 1st of 187 countries worldwide, with 9% of world imports. The value was down 19% on 2023.
Which countries supply pencil lead to the United States?
China was the largest supplier with 40% of the value ($3.1 million), followed by Japan (34%) and Germany (6%). The top three together account for 80%, out of 34 supplier countries in total. Thailand grew fastest among the top ten, up 441% on the year.
What is the average import price of pencil lead per kg?
The average declared import value was about $11.43 per kg in 2024, 58% above the world average of $7.22 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of pencil lead to the United States changed since 2017?
Imports went from $6.5 million in 2017 to $7.6 million in 2024, an increase of 16%. The peak was 2021 at $11.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $8.9 million a year.
Does the United States also export pencil lead?
Yes. The United States exported $803 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Mexico, Canada and Hong Kong. On balance the United States is a net importer of this product, by about $6.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for pencil lead?
The HS code for pencil lead is subheading 9609.20. It sits in HS chapter 96 (miscellaneous manufactured articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 9609 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.
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