HS Code:
The Postcards category, classified under HS Code 4909, encompasses printed or illustrated postcards, greeting cards, and other similar items used for personal or commercial correspondence. This category includes both traditional paper-based postcards and modern variants such as electronic greeting cards when traded as physical products. Postcards are widely used for tourism, personal communication, and marketing purposes, often reflecting cultural or regional significance. The global trade of postcards is influenced by tourism trends, digital communication shifts, and seasonal demand during holidays.
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
5.3%
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local printing industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as EU internal trade or USMCA)
Shift towards eco-friendly materials
Increased demand for postcards made from recycled paper or sustainable sources, driven by consumer environmental awareness.
2021-2022
Decline in traditional postcard usage
Reduced trade volume in some regions due to the rise of digital communication platforms like e-cards and social media.
2020-2022
Rise in personalized and niche postcards
Growth in small-scale exporters catering to custom designs and culturally specific postcards, especially in tourism-heavy regions.
2022
The European Union introduced stricter regulations on paper products under the EU Green Deal, mandating higher recycled content and sustainable sourcing for postcards.
January 2023
Increased production costs for non-compliant exporters but boosted demand for eco-certified postcard manufacturers.
A recent bilateral agreement reduced tariffs on printed materials, including postcards, from China to the US, facilitating smoother trade.
March 2023
Expected to increase Chinese postcard exports to the US by 10-15% in the coming year.
Post-COVID recovery in global tourism has led to a resurgence in postcard sales and trade, particularly in Europe and Southeast Asia.
June 2023
Trade volume for postcards in tourist destinations projected to grow by 8% annually through 2025.