China: Postcard Market 2025

Postcard Market Size in China

After three years of growth, the Chinese postcard market decreased by -7.3% to $X in 2021. Overall, consumption, however, enjoyed strong growth. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X. From 2017 to 2021, the growth of the market remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Postcard Production in China

In value terms, postcard production totaled $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, the total production indicated a modest increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.1% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production decreased by -0.8% against 2019 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when the production volume increased by 68% against the previous year. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X. From 2017 to 2021, production growth remained at a lower figure.

Postcard Exports

Exports from China

In 2021, overseas shipments of printed or illustrated postcards and printed cards increased by 5.4% to X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. Overall, exports, however, saw a noticeable setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when exports increased by 33%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, postcard exports expanded notably to $X in 2021. In general, exports continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The exports peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

The United States (X tons), the UK (X tons) and the Netherlands (X tons) were the main destinations of postcard exports from China, together comprising 79% of total exports. Australia, Canada, Hong Kong SAR and Germany lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 11%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Germany (with a CAGR of +3.1%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

In value terms, the United States ($X) remains the key foreign market for printed or illustrated postcards and printed cards exports from China, comprising 49% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by the UK ($X), with a 23% share of total exports. It was followed by the Netherlands, with a 4.5% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to the United States was relatively modest. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the UK (+0.7% per year) and the Netherlands (+1.7% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average postcard export price amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 5.5% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +3.3%. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 an increase of 21%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2017 to 2021, the average export prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably country of destination: the country with the highest price was Germany ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Canada ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Germany (+4.8%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Postcard Imports

Imports into China

In 2021, postcard imports into China surged to X tons, jumping by 43% against the year before. Overall, imports recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when imports increased by 80%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, postcard imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate a prominent expansion. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

Vietnam (X tons), Hong Kong SAR (X tons) and Italy (X tons) were the main suppliers of postcard imports to China, together comprising 53% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Vietnam (with a CAGR of +157.6%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Italy ($X), France ($X) and Vietnam ($X) were the largest postcard suppliers to China, with a combined 70% share of total imports.

Among the main suppliers, Vietnam, with a CAGR of +173.9%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The average postcard import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 20% against the previous year. Overall, import price indicated a prominent increase from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +7.7% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, postcard import price increased by +59.1% against 2019 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when the average import price increased by 98%. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2014 to 2021, the average import prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Italy ($X per ton), while the price for Hong Kong SAR ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Italy (+11.8%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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