Report Update May 1, 2025

Japan - Printed or Illustrated Postcards and Printed Cards - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights

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Japan: Postcard Market 2025

Postcard Market Size in Japan

In 2021, after seven years of decline, there was significant growth in the Japanese postcard market, when its value increased by 17% to $X. Overall, consumption, however, showed a noticeable decrease. Postcard consumption peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Postcard Exports

Exports from Japan

After three years of decline, shipments abroad of printed or illustrated postcards and printed cards increased by 391% to X tons in 2021. Overall, exports recorded resilient growth. As a result, the exports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, postcard exports soared to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports posted a resilient increase. As a result, the exports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

China (X tons) was the main destination for postcard exports from Japan, accounting for a 41% share of total exports. Moreover, postcard exports to China exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, South Korea (X tons), twofold. The United States (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 13% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to China amounted to +22.5%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: South Korea (+63.3% per year) and the United States (+25.1% per year).

In value terms, China ($X) emerged as the key foreign market for printed or illustrated postcards and printed cards exports from Japan, comprising 44% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Taiwan (Chinese) ($X), with a 15% share of total exports. It was followed by South Korea, with a 15% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to China amounted to +26.4%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Taiwan (Chinese) (+14.9% per year) and South Korea (+45.6% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average postcard export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, with a decrease of -17.6% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 an increase of 46%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton, and then dropped remarkably in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Taiwan (Chinese) ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Malaysia ($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 China (+3.2%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Postcard Imports

Imports into Japan

In 2021, overseas purchases of printed or illustrated postcards and printed cards were finally on the rise to reach X tons for the first time since 2013, thus ending a seven-year declining trend. In general, imports, however, showed a drastic downturn. Imports peaked at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, postcard imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Overall, imports, however, showed a perceptible contraction. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, China (X tons) constituted the largest postcard supplier to Japan, accounting for a 77% share of total imports. Moreover, postcard imports from China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, South Korea (X tons), fivefold. Italy (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 1.6% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from China amounted to -5.0%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: South Korea (-3.0% per year) and Italy (-10.5% per year).

In value terms, China ($X) constituted the largest supplier of printed or illustrated postcards and printed cards to Japan, comprising 66% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by South Korea ($X), with a 23% share of total imports. It was followed by Italy, with a 3.4% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from China stood at -2.9%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: South Korea (-0.4% per year) and Italy (-6.0% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average postcard import price amounted to $X per ton, surging by 10% against the previous year. Over the last nine-year period, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.6%. As a result, import price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was Italy ($X per ton), while the price for Taiwan (Chinese) ($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 (+5.0%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :

What are the largest markets for printed or illustrated postcards and printed cards in the world?

The country with the largest volume of postcard consumption was China, accounting for 29% of total volume. Moreover, postcard consumption in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest consumer, the UK, twofold. The U.S. ranked third in terms of total consumption with a 13% share.

What are the largest producers of printed or illustrated postcards and printed cards in the world?

China remains the largest postcard producing country worldwide, comprising approx. 81% of total volume. Moreover, postcard production in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Hong Kong SAR, more than tenfold. Mexico ranked third in terms of total production with a 5% share.

What are the leading suppliers of printed or illustrated postcards and printed cards to Japan?

In value terms, China constituted the largest supplier of postcard to Japan, comprising 72% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by South Korea, with a 15% share of total imports. It was followed by Italy, with a 4.4% share.

What are the leading importers of printed or illustrated postcards and printed cards from Japan?

In value terms, Taiwan Chinese), China and Hong Kong SAR were the largest markets for postcard exported from Japan worldwide, together comprising 63% of total exports. These countries were followed by the U.S., Thailand, Vietnam, France and South Korea, which together accounted for a further 24%.

What is the average export price for printed or illustrated postcards and printed cards in Japan?

The average postcard export price stood at $40,935 per ton in 2020, rising by 9.8% against the previous year.

What is the average import price for printed or illustrated postcards and printed cards in Japan?

In 2020, the average postcard import price amounted to $23,906 per ton, with an increase of 54% against the previous year.

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the postcard market in Japan. Within it, you will discover the latest data on market trends and opportunities by country, consumption, production and price developments, as well as the global trade (imports and exports). The forecast exhibits the market prospects through 2030.

Product coverage:

UNCode 32520-0 - Printed or illustrated postcards and printed cards

Country coverage:

Data coverage:

Market volume and value
Per Capita consumption
Forecast of the market dynamics in the medium term
Trade (exports and imports) in Japan
Export and import prices
Market trends, drivers and restraints
Key market players and their profiles

Reasons to buy this report:

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This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, and wholesalers, as well as for investors, consultants and advisors.

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While doing this research, we combine the accumulated expertise of our analysts and the capabilities of artificial intelligence. The AI-based platform, developed by our data scientists, constitutes the key working tool for business analysts, empowering them to discover deep insights and ideas from the marketing data.

1. INTRODUCTION

Making Data-Driven Decisions to Grow Your Business
1. REPORT DESCRIPTION
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND AI PLATFORM
3. DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
4. GLOSSARY AND SPECIFIC TERMS
2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

A Quick Overview of Market Performance
1. KEY FINDINGS
2. MARKET TRENDS This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
3. MARKET OVERVIEW

Understanding the Current State of The Market and Its Prospects
1. MARKET SIZE
2. MARKET STRUCTURE
3. TRADE BALANCE
4. PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION
5. MARKET FORECAST TO 2030
4. MOST PROMISING PRODUCT

Finding New Products to Diversify Your Business
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
1. TOP PRODUCTS TO DIVERSIFY YOUR BUSINESS
2. BEST-SELLING PRODUCTS
3. MOST CONSUMED PRODUCT
4. MOST TRADED PRODUCT
5. MOST PROFITABLE PRODUCT FOR EXPORT
5. MOST PROMISING SUPPLYING COUNTRIES

Choosing the Best Countries to Establish Your Sustainable Supply Chain
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
1. TOP COUNTRIES TO SOURCE YOUR PRODUCT
2. TOP PRODUCING COUNTRIES
3. TOP EXPORTING COUNTRIES
4. LOW-COST EXPORTING COUNTRIES
6. MOST PROMISING OVERSEAS MARKETS

Choosing the Best Countries to Boost Your Exports
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
1. TOP OVERSEAS MARKETS FOR EXPORTING YOUR PRODUCT
2. TOP CONSUMING MARKETS
3. UNSATURATED MARKETS
4. TOP IMPORTING MARKETS
5. MOST PROFITABLE MARKETS
7. PRODUCTION

The Latest Trends and Insights into The Industry
1. PRODUCTION VOLUME AND VALUE
8. IMPORTS
The Largest Import Supplying Countries
1. IMPORTS FROM 2012–2024
2. IMPORTS BY COUNTRY
3. IMPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY
9. EXPORTS
The Largest Destinations for Exports
1. EXPORTS FROM 2012–2024
2. EXPORTS BY COUNTRY
3. EXPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY
10. PROFILES OF MAJOR PRODUCERS

The Largest Producers on The Market and Their Profiles
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
LIST OF TABLES
1. Key Findings In 2024
2. Market Volume, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
3. Market Value, 2012–2024
4. Per Capita Consumption In 2012-2024
5. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
6. Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
7. Import Prices, By Country Of Origin, 2012–2024
8. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
9. Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
10. Export Prices, By Country Of Destination, 2012–2024
LIST OF FIGURES
1. Market Volume, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
2. Market Value, 2012–2024
3. Market Structure – Domestic Supply vs. Imports, In Physical Terms, 2012-2024
4. Market Structure – Domestic Supply vs. Imports, In Value Terms, 2012-2024
5. Trade Balance, In Physical Terms, 2012-2024
6. Trade Balance, In Value Terms, 2012-2024
7. Per Capita Consumption, 2012-2024
8. Market Volume Forecast to 2030
9. Market Value Forecast to 2030
10. Products: Market Size And Growth, By Type
11. Products: Average Per Capita Consumption, By Type
12. Products: Exports And Growth, By Type
13. Products: Export Prices And Growth, By Type
14. Production Volume And Growth
15. Exports And Growth
16. Export Prices And Growth
17. Market Size And Growth
18. Per Capita Consumption
19. Imports And Growth
20. Import Prices
21. Production, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
22. Production, In Value Terms, 2012–2024
23. Imports, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
24. Imports, In Value Terms, 2012–2024
25. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2024
26. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
27. Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
28. Import Prices, By Country Of Origin, 2012–2024
29. Exports, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
30. Exports, In Value Terms, 2012–2024
31. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2024
32. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
33. Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
34. Export Prices, By Country Of Destination, 2012–2024