HS Code:
The category of Pinball machines, bell-type machines, and consoles (HS Code: 9504.30) includes coin-operated or token-operated amusement machines typically found in arcades, casinos, and entertainment venues. These machines encompass traditional pinball games, slot machines (bell-type), and other similar gaming consoles that do not fall under video game categories. This niche market caters to both recreational and gambling sectors, with significant cultural and nostalgic value in certain regions. The trade of these products is influenced by regulatory frameworks surrounding gambling and entertainment, as well as technological advancements in gaming.
Total Trade Volume
USD 1.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 450 million
37.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 300 million
25.0% 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
Increasing
USD 80 million
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.2%
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain countries with strict gambling regulations)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements or in gambling hubs like Macau)
Resurgence of Retro Gaming
Increased demand for vintage pinball machines and bell-type slot machines due to nostalgia and collector interest, driving up exports from the US and Japan.
2020-2022
Shift to Digital Integration
Manufacturers are incorporating digital displays and online connectivity into traditional machines, impacting trade by increasing production costs and shifting market share to tech-savvy exporters like China.
2021-2023
Regulatory Tightening
Stricter gambling laws in regions like the EU and parts of Asia have reduced import volumes in some markets while boosting black market trade.
2019-2022
The US announced a temporary tariff waiver on certain amusement machines imported from allied nations to support the entertainment sector post-COVID-19 recovery.
March 2023
Expected to increase imports from Japan and Germany by 15% in 2023, benefiting arcade operators and distributors.
Japan introduced updated regulations on coin-operated machines, requiring enhanced user safety features and limiting payout structures for bell-type machines.
January 2023
May reduce export volumes temporarily as manufacturers adapt to new compliance standards, potentially increasing costs by 10-20%.
The European Union implemented stricter sustainability and energy efficiency standards for electronic components in amusement machines.
July 2022
Exporters like China may face challenges meeting these standards, potentially reducing their market share in Europe while benefiting compliant manufacturers in Germany.