HS Code:
Dot matrix printers, classified under HS Code 8443.32, are impact printers that produce characters and images by striking pins against an ink ribbon to print closely spaced dots in the appropriate pattern on paper. Though largely replaced by inkjet and laser printers in many applications, dot matrix printers remain relevant in specific industries such as banking, logistics, and manufacturing due to their ability to produce multipart forms and durability in harsh environments. They are often used for invoices, receipts, and shipping labels. Global trade in dot matrix printers reflects a niche but steady demand, driven by cost-effectiveness and specific industrial needs.
Total Trade Volume
USD 150 million
Data from 2022
Source
UN Comtrade Database and ITC Trade Map
Average Rate
5.2%
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like USMCA and EU-Japan EPA)
Declining demand in consumer markets
As consumers and small businesses shift to modern printing technologies, the market for dot matrix printers is shrinking in non-industrial applications, leading to reduced trade volumes in some regions.
2020-2022
Sustained industrial demand
Industries requiring multipart forms and durable printing solutions, such as logistics and warehousing, continue to drive steady demand, particularly in emerging economies with growing industrial sectors.
2021-2023
Shift to low-cost manufacturing
Production is increasingly concentrated in countries like China due to lower manufacturing costs, impacting trade patterns by increasing exports from Asia to other regions.
2019-2022
Several manufacturers have introduced energy-efficient dot matrix printers to comply with stricter environmental regulations in the EU and North America, focusing on reduced power consumption and recyclable materials.
March 2023
This may increase costs slightly but improve market access in regions with stringent environmental policies, potentially boosting trade in compliant products.
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has reduced tariffs on dot matrix printers among member countries, facilitating increased trade within Asia-Pacific.
January 2022
Exports from China and South Korea to other RCEP countries have risen, reshaping regional trade dynamics and increasing competition for non-RCEP exporters.
Global supply chain issues, including semiconductor shortages, have impacted the production of dot matrix printers, leading to delays and increased costs for manufacturers.
Mid-2021 to Early 2023
Trade volumes temporarily declined in 2021-2022, with recovery expected as supply chains stabilize, though prices may remain elevated in the short term.