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 on a steady growth trajectory, forecast to expand at a CAGR of +1.5% in volume and +1.6% in value from 2024 to 2035, reaching 601 million units and $7.5 billion (nominal wholesale prices) by 2035. In 2024, consumption rose slightly to 509 million units ($6.3B in market size). However, domestic production contracted dramatically by -41.5% to 99 million units ($6B in value), creating a heavy reliance on imports, which soared to 426 million units valued at $7.3B. China is the dominant import supplier by volume (81%, 347M units), while Vietnam is a key high-value partner ($3.1B). US exports are smaller, totaling 16 million units worth $1.1B, with Canada being the primary destination by both volume and value. A significant price disparity exists, with imports from Vietnam averaging $49/unit compared to China's $10/unit, while US export prices average a high $66/unit.

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 year in a row after two years of decline. Over the period under review, 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 size of the headphone market in the United States expanded slightly to $6.3B in 2024, rising 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). In general, consumption continues to indicate a buoyant expansion. Over the period under review, the market reached the peak level at $6.3B in 2021; afterwards, it flattened through to 2024.

Production

United States's Production of Headphones

Headphone production in the United States contracted dramatically to 99M units in 2024, waning by -41.5% against the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, production saw a perceptible downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2023 with an increase of 83% against the previous year. Headphone production peaked at 222M units in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2024, production remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, headphone production shrank significantly to $6B in 2024. Overall, production, however, recorded mild growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2023 when the production volume increased by 88%. Headphone production peaked 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, imports of headphones into the United States soared to 426M units, picking up by 20% on 2023 figures. 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 most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2022 when imports increased by 22% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of 433M units. From 2023 to 2024, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, headphone imports soared to $7.3B in 2024. Over the period under review, imports showed a strong increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 when imports increased by 151%. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum in 2024 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

Imports By Country

In 2024, China (347M units) constituted the largest headphone supplier 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 growth rate of volume from China was relatively modest.

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

Among the main suppliers, Vietnam, with a CAGR of +61.3%, saw the highest growth rate of 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, growing by 1.9% against the previous year. Overall, the import price enjoyed strong growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 when the average import price increased by 107% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $17 per unit in 2021; however, from 2022 to 2024, import prices remained at a lower figure.

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, headphone exports from the United States fell to 16M units, with a decrease of -8.4% on the previous year. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when exports increased by 11% against the previous year. The exports peaked at 18M units in 2021; however, from 2022 to 2024, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, headphone exports expanded markedly to $1.1B in 2024. Over the period under review, exports, however, recorded a strong increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when exports increased by 46%. 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, with 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 United Arab Emirates (1.1M units) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 7% share.

From 2012 to 2024, the average annual growth rate 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 taken 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 stood at +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

The average headphone export price stood at $66 per unit in 2024, increasing by 22% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price continues to indicate a buoyant increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 when the average export price increased by 32%. The export price peaked in 2024 and is likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major external markets. In 2024, 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