HS Code:
Children's picture, drawing, or coloring books (HS Code: 4903.00) encompass a range of printed materials designed for young audiences, including illustrated storybooks, activity books, and coloring books. These products are primarily used for educational and entertainment purposes, fostering creativity and early learning. This category is a significant segment of the global publishing industry, with trade driven by demand for culturally relevant content, licensed characters, and innovative formats such as interactive or augmented reality books.
Total Trade Volume
USD 1.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 350 million
29.2% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 200 million
16.7% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 150 million
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 100 million
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 80 million
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.2%
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local publishers)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU Single Market or USMCA)
Rise in demand for eco-friendly and sustainable materials
Increased production costs but higher consumer appeal in developed markets
2021-2022
Growth in digital and interactive coloring books
Shift in trade patterns with reduced physical book exports in favor of digital formats
2020-2022
Localization of content for cultural relevance
Higher demand for region-specific content driving exports from countries with strong publishing industries
2019-2022
The European Union reduced tariffs on imported children's books to 0% under a new educational initiative to promote literacy.
January 2023
Increased imports from non-EU countries like China and the US, boosting trade volume by an estimated 10%.
China introduced subsidies for exporters of children's books to capture a larger share of the global market.
March 2022
Strengthened China's position as the leading exporter, with a projected 5% increase in trade volume.
Updates to the USMCA agreement included provisions for duty-free trade of children's educational materials among the US, Canada, and Mexico.
July 2022
Enhanced trade flows within North America, with a notable rise in US exports to Canada.