United States's Headphones Market to grow at a steady 1.6% CAGR, reaching $7.5B by 2035.

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The US headphone market is forecast for steady growth, with volume expected to reach 601 million units (CAGR +1.5%) and value to hit $7.5 billion (CAGR +1.6%) by 2035, driven by increasing demand. In 2024, consumption was 509 million units ($6.3B in revenue), showing a relatively flat trend. Domestic production saw a significant decline to 99 million units ($6B in value) in 2024. To meet demand, the US relies heavily on imports, which soared to 426 million units ($7.3B) in 2024. China is the dominant supplier by volume (347M units, 81% share), while Vietnam is a key high-value supplier ($3.1B). The US also exports headphones, primarily to Canada (7.2M units, $448M), with an average export price of $66 per unit, indicating a focus on higher-value products.

Market Forecast

Driven by increasing demand for headphones in the United States, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next decade. Market performance is forecast to accelerate, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +1.5% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market volume to 601M units by the end of 2035.

In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +1.6% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market value to $7.5B (in nominal wholesale prices) by the end of 2035.

Consumption

United States's Consumption of Headphones

In 2024, consumption of headphones increased by 0.2% to 509M units, rising for the second consecutive year after two years of decline. Overall, consumption continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, consumption attained the peak volume of 510M units. From 2021 to 2024, the growth of the consumption remained at a somewhat lower figure.

The revenue of the headphone market in the United States was estimated at $6.3B in 2024, growing by 1.6% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Over the period under review, consumption posted a prominent expansion. Headphone consumption peaked at $6.3B in 2021; afterwards, it flattened through to 2024.

Production

United States's Production of Headphones

In 2024, headphone production in the United States shrank significantly to 99M units, waning by -41.5% on the year before. Overall, production continues to indicate a noticeable decrease. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2023 when the production volume increased by 83% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at 222M units in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2024, production remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, headphone production fell sharply to $6B in 2024. Over the period under review, production, however, continues to indicate a mild expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2023 with an increase of 88%. Over the period under review, production reached the peak level at $11.9B in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2024, production remained at a lower figure.

Imports

United States's Imports of Headphones

In 2024, headphone imports into the United States soared to 426M units, surging by 20% on 2023. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.9% from 2012 to 2024; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2022 when imports increased by 22%. As a result, imports attained the peak of 433M units. From 2023 to 2024, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, headphone imports surged to $7.3B in 2024. Over the period under review, imports saw a remarkable increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when imports increased by 151% against the previous year. Imports peaked in 2024 and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports By Country

In 2024, China (347M units) constituted the largest supplier of headphone to the United States, accounting for a 81% share of total imports. Moreover, headphone imports from China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Vietnam (65M units), fivefold.

From 2012 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from China was relatively modest.

In value terms, China ($3.5B) and Vietnam ($3.1B) constituted the largest headphone suppliers to the United States.

Among the main suppliers, Vietnam, with a CAGR of +61.3%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review.

Import Prices By Country

In 2024, the average headphone import price amounted to $17 per unit, increasing by 1.9% against the previous year. In general, the import price showed a buoyant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 an increase of 107% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $17 per unit in 2021; however, from 2022 to 2024, import prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2024, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Vietnam ($49 per unit), while the price for China stood at $10 per unit.

From 2012 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Vietnam (+18.1%).

Exports

United States's Exports of Headphones

In 2024, approx. 16M units of headphones were exported from the United States; waning by -8.4% against the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, exports, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when exports increased by 11% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at 18M units in 2021; however, from 2022 to 2024, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, headphone exports expanded remarkably to $1.1B in 2024. In general, exports, however, continue to indicate a resilient increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 with an increase of 46% against the previous year. The exports peaked in 2024 and are likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

Exports By Country

Canada (7.2M units) was the main destination for headphone exports from the United States, accounting for a 44% share of total exports. Moreover, headphone exports to Canada exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Mexico (2.2M units), threefold. The third position in this ranking was taken by the United Arab Emirates (1.1M units), with a 7% share.

From 2012 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Canada amounted to +2.3%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Mexico (+0.8% per year) and the United Arab Emirates (+18.7% per year).

In value terms, Canada ($448M) remains the key foreign market for headphones exports from the United States, comprising 42% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by the United Arab Emirates ($154M), with a 14% share of total exports. It was followed by Mexico, with an 11% share.

From 2012 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Canada totaled +9.1%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the United Arab Emirates (+20.9% per year) and Mexico (+7.1% per year).

Export Prices By Country

In 2024, the average headphone export price amounted to $66 per unit, growing by 22% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price showed prominent growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 an increase of 32%. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the maximum in 2024 and is likely to see steady growth in the near future.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the United Arab Emirates ($136 per unit), while the average price for exports to Brazil ($35 per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Hong Kong SAR (+8.1%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform