HS Code:
The 'Printed with three or more colors' category (often classified under HS Code 4901 or related codes depending on specific product definitions) typically includes printed materials such as books, brochures, magazines, and other publications or materials printed in three or more colors. This category is significant in the global trade of printed media, reflecting the demand for high-quality, visually appealing content in educational, commercial, and entertainment sectors. Products in this category are often subject to varying tariffs and trade regulations due to cultural, intellectual property, and economic considerations across countries.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $10.5 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database & World Trade Organization (WTO) Statistics
$2.1 billion USD
20% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$1.8 billion USD
17% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$1.2 billion USD
11.5% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$900 million USD
8.5% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
$750 million USD
7% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
3.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
15% (imposed by certain developing countries to protect local printing industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like the EU Single Market or USMCA)
Shift towards digital printing technologies
Reduces production costs and lead times, increasing competitiveness of smaller exporters but challenging traditional large-scale printers
2021-2023
Growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly printing materials
Encourages exporters to adopt green certifications and recycled materials, influencing trade preferences in environmentally conscious markets like the EU
2020-2023
Decline in demand for physical printed materials due to digitalization
Reduces trade volumes in traditional markets like magazines and newspapers, though niche markets (e.g., art books) remain resilient
2019-2023
The European Union updated its tariff structure for imported printed materials, reducing rates to 0% for educational content while maintaining a 4% rate for commercial publications to balance trade and local industry protection.
January 2023
Increased imports of educational materials from non-EU countries, benefiting exporters like the US and China
China introduced tax rebates and subsidies for printing companies exporting high-quality multi-color printed materials as part of its cultural export strategy.
March 2022
Boosted China's share in the global market, putting competitive pressure on other major exporters like the US and Germany
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) included provisions for duty-free trade of printed materials among member countries, enhancing regional trade flows.
July 2022
Strengthened North American supply chains for printed goods, reducing costs for importers and exporters within the region