HS Code:
The category of printed or illustrated postcards and printed cards bearing personal greetings, messages, or announcements (HS Code: 490900) includes a variety of paper-based products used for personal and commercial communication. These items may be illustrated or non-illustrated and can come with or without envelopes or trimmings. This category is widely used for seasonal greetings (e.g., Christmas, birthdays), invitations, and promotional purposes. The trade in this category reflects cultural practices, tourism trends, and the global demand for personalized communication tools, though it faces competition from digital alternatives.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $1.2 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
$350 million USD
29.2% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$200 million USD
16.7% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$150 million USD
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
$100 million USD
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$80 million USD
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU Single Market or USMCA)
Shift to digital greetings
Declining demand for physical postcards and greeting cards as e-cards and social media messaging gain popularity, particularly among younger demographics.
2020-2022
Growth in personalized and artisanal cards
Rising demand for custom, handcrafted, or eco-friendly cards in niche markets, driving small-scale exporters and local producers.
2021-2023
Seasonal demand spikes
Significant trade volume increases during holiday seasons (e.g., Christmas, Valentine’s Day), with exporters like China benefiting from bulk orders.
Annual recurring trend
The European Union’s Green Deal has introduced stricter regulations on paper sourcing and packaging, requiring exporters to comply with sustainability standards for postcards and greeting cards.
January 2023
Increased production costs for non-compliant exporters, but potential market growth for eco-friendly producers.
Ongoing trade disputes have led to fluctuating tariffs on Chinese paper products, including postcards and greeting cards, affecting pricing and supply chains in the US market.
Mid-2022
Shift in sourcing to alternative countries like Vietnam and India by US importers.
Global e-commerce platforms like Etsy and Amazon have boosted the trade of personalized and artisanal greeting cards, benefiting small exporters worldwide.
2021-2023
Increased market access for small-scale producers and diversification of product offerings.