Product intelligence · HS 851981 · 2024 data

Sound recording or reproducing apparatus: using magnetic, optical or semiconductor media, n.e.c. in item no 8519.20, 8519.30 or 8519.50

Global exports of sound recording or reproducing apparatus: using magnetic, optical or semiconductor media, n.e.c. in item no 8519.20, 8519.30 or 8519.50 totalled $2,295,542,761 in 2024, a +9.4% change from the previous year. Traded by 163 countries across 3,604 bilateral corridors, with demand from 196 importing markets. The long-term trend is stable.

Data: OECD BIMTS · Coverage: 19952024 · Updated: 2026-07-17

Global trade

$2.3B

+9.4% YoY

3Y / 5Y CAGR

+1.8%

5Y: +5.8%

Supply structure

Concentrated

HHI 0.432

Volatility

Low

Score 4/100

1.

Market movement

In 2024, sound recording or reproducing apparatus: using magnetic, optical or semiconductor media, n.e.c. in item no 8519.20, 8519.30 or 8519.50 trade exhibited strong growth, with global flows reaching $2,295,542,761 and a three-year compound annual growth rate of +1.8% (five-year: +5.8%). The all-time peak of $10,554,037,211 was recorded in 2005; the current level is 78% below that high-water mark.

Over the 30-year observation window (19952024), 38% of years recorded positive growth, indicating significant cyclicality with frequent contractions. Trend momentum is steady (+1.3% acceleration).

2.

Supply & demand structure

The supply side is concentrated (Herfindahl-Hirschman Index 0.432). The three largest exporters — China ($1.5B), Vietnam ($245.3M), and Germany ($93.2M) — collectively dominate supply flows. The leading exporter has grown at +3.1% over the last three years.

On the demand side, importer concentration is diversified (HHI 0.145). The three largest import markets are United States ($822.0M), Germany ($172.8M), and United Kingdom ($98.4M). The largest importing market sources from 67 different supplying countries.

Estimated substitution elasticity: -2.34. Buyers have moderate flexibility to shift sourcing, but face some switching costs.

The dominant trade corridor is China → United States at $618.5M, representing 75.2% of the importer's total demand.

3.

Risk profile & trade outlook

The volatility score for sound recording or reproducing apparatus: using magnetic, optical or semiconductor media, n.e.c. in item no 8519.20, 8519.30 or 8519.50 is 4 out of 100, classified as low. Trade flows are relatively stable compared to other HS6 products, suggesting mature supply chains and predictable demand.

For market entrants, strong demand tailwinds create a favourable entry environment. The concentrated supply structure suggests high barriers but also potential opportunity if dominant suppliers face disruption or capacity constraints.

Data confidence is rated "High" based on reporting coverage and consistency across OECD member and partner countries.

Historical evidence

Annual trade value 19952024

Peak: $10,554,037,211 in 2005. Currently 78% below peak.

YearGlobal trade (USD)YoY growth
2015$2,051,872,575-6.5%
2016$1,895,364,507-7.6%
2017$1,813,040,708-4.3%
2018$1,909,306,837+5.3%
2019$1,733,269,137-9.2%
2020$1,715,891,027-1.0%
2021$2,178,872,310+27.0%
2022$2,113,670,931-3.0%
2023$2,098,569,256-0.7%
2024$2,295,542,761+9.4%

Top exporting countries

Ranked by export value of sound recording or reproducing apparatus: using magnetic, optical or semiconductor media, n.e.c. in item no 8519.20, 8519.30 or 8519.50 in 2024.

View all 163 exporters →

Top importing markets

Largest import destinations for sound recording or reproducing apparatus: using magnetic, optical or semiconductor media, n.e.c. in item no 8519.20, 8519.30 or 8519.50.

View all 196 markets →

Leading trade corridors

Largest bilateral export flows for sound recording or reproducing apparatus: using magnetic, optical or semiconductor media, n.e.c. in item no 8519.20, 8519.30 or 8519.50, ranked by value. Click any country to view its full profile.

#ExporterImporterValue 20243Y CAGR
1ChinaUnited States$618.5M+2.4%
2ChinaGermany$104.3M-0.9%
3VietnamUnited States$103.5M-0.8%
4ChinaMexico$61.5M+28.1%
5ChinaUnited Kingdom$59.8M-0.4%
6ChinaJapan$55.2M-5.6%
7ChinaFrance$52.3M+18.2%
8MalaysiaUnited States$51.6M+16.6%

Showing top 8 of 10 corridors with available data for 2024.

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Sources, definitions & methodology

Data source

OECD Bilateral International Merchandise Trade Statistics (BIMTS). Aggregated from 312M+ reported trade records across 200+ countries and 5,300+ HS6 product codes. Coverage: 19952024.

Key indicators

HHI (Herfindahl-Hirschman Index): market concentration, 0 = fully diversified, 1 = single player. CAGR: compound annual growth rate over a stated period. Volatility score: trade value variability, 0–100 scale.

How this page is made

All statistical content on this page is data-driven, composed programmatically from live OECD trade records. No generic AI-generated prose is used. Analytical paragraphs combine real data points with factual interpretation. This page was last refreshed on 2026-07-17.