HS Code:
The category of informational materials under HS Code 4901-4911, 3705-3706 (for films and photographs), and related codes includes a wide range of products such as publications (books, newspapers, journals), films, posters, phonograph records, photographs, microfilms, microfiche, tapes, compact disks, CD-ROMs, artworks, and news wire feeds. These products are critical for the dissemination of knowledge, culture, and entertainment globally. They encompass both physical and, increasingly, digital formats as the world shifts towards online content delivery. Trade in this category is influenced by cultural exchange, educational needs, technological advancements, and intellectual property regulations.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $50 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and World Trade Organization (WTO) Statistics
$12.5 billion USD
25% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$8 billion USD
16% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$6 billion USD
12% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$5 billion USD
10% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$4 billion USD
8% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
2.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
10% (imposed by certain developing countries on specific luxury or non-essential items like artworks)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements or WTO bindings for educational materials in many countries)
Shift to Digital Formats
Significant decline in trade of physical media like CDs and DVDs, with a corresponding rise in digital subscriptions and downloads, affecting traditional trade metrics.
2020-2022
Increased Demand for Educational Materials
Growth in exports of books and e-learning content due to global emphasis on education and remote learning, especially post-COVID-19.
2021-2022
Cultural Protectionism
Some countries imposing higher tariffs or restrictions on foreign cultural products to protect local industries, impacting trade flows.
2019-2022
Several WTO members agreed to eliminate tariffs on educational publications and digital content to promote global access to learning resources.
March 2023
Expected to boost trade in educational materials, particularly benefiting exporters from developed nations and increasing access in developing countries.
The European Union introduced new regulations on cross-border digital content distribution, aiming to balance intellectual property rights with market access.
January 2023
May create temporary trade barriers for non-EU exporters of digital media while compliance frameworks are established.
As part of broader trade negotiations, the US and China reduced tariffs on certain informational materials, including books and films, to encourage cultural exchange.
October 2022
Increased trade volume between the two countries, with potential growth in mutual cultural exports.