Photographic base paper exports from the United States: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, the United States exported photographic base paper worth $14.4 million (3.9 thousand tonnes). It ranks 3rd of 101 countries for exports of this product. That is close to the 2023 level. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $14.4M | 3.9K t |
| 2023 | $14.1M | 2.9K t |
| 2022 | $12.5M | 3.5K t |
| 2021 | $10.3M | 2.7K t |
| 2020 | $9.5M | 2.9K t |
| 2019 | $15.1M | 3.9K t |
| 2018 | $14.8M | 6.5K t |
| 2017 | $14.8M | 6.4K t |
Where the United States exports photographic base paper to
The largest buyer markets were Mexico (21%), India (14%), Canada (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 47%. Among the main buyer markets, China grew fastest (+147% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | $3.1M | 21% |
| India | $2.0M | 14% |
| Canada | $1.8M | 12% |
| China | $1.5M | 10% |
| Dominican Republic | $1.2M | 8.1% |
| Guatemala | $999K | 6.9% |
| United Kingdom | $577K | 4% |
| El Salvador | $478K | 3.3% |
| Japan | $269K | 1.9% |
| Vietnam | $261K | 1.8% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.66 per kg, 68% above the world average of $2.18. 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.
Photographic base paper imports to the United States
The United States imported $3.6 million of photographic base paper in 2024 (2.3 thousand tonnes). It ranks 10th of 199 countries for imports of this product. The largest suppliers were China (26%), Canada (23%), Dominican Republic (14%). Among the main suppliers, Spain grew fastest (+556% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $950K | 26% |
| Canada | $842K | 23% |
| Dominican Republic | $499K | 14% |
| Malaysia | $460K | 13% |
| Spain | $171K | 4.7% |
| United Kingdom | $122K | 3.4% |
| Ireland | $121K | 3.4% |
| Vietnam | $101K | 2.8% |
| Italy | $68K | 1.9% |
| Mexico | $66K | 1.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United States?
The shipment records behind United States photographic base paper exports (HS 4802.20): 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 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 exported by the United States?
The United States exported photographic base paper worth $14.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 3rd of 101 countries worldwide, with 9% of world exports. The value was up 2% on 2023.
Which countries buy photographic base paper from the United States?
Mexico was the largest buyer with 21% of the value ($3.1 million), followed by India (14%) and Canada (12%). The top three together account for 47%, out of 97 buyer countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 147% on the year.
What is the average export price of photographic base paper per kg?
The average declared export value was about $3.66 per kg in 2024, 68% above the world average of $2.18 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of photographic base paper from the United States changed since 2017?
Exports went from $14.8 million in 2017 to $14.4 million in 2024, a fall of 2%. The peak was 2019 at $15.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $13.2 million a year.
Does the United States also import photographic base paper?
Yes. The United States imported $3.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Canada and the Dominican Republic. On balance the United States is a net exporter of this product, by about $10.8 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 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
World photographic base paper trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United States
- Mechanical pulp printing paper (rolls)
- Printing paper 40-150g/m2 (rolls)
- Printing paper 40-150g/m2 (small sheets)
- Printing paper 40-150g/m2 (large sheets)
- Heavyweight printing paper (over 150g/m2)
- Light printing paper (under 40g/m2)
- Mechanical pulp printing paper (large sheets)
- Mechanical pulp printing paper (small sheets)
- All United States trade data
- HS 4802 codes
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