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HSChapter 49
U.S. imports of printed & illustrated postcards and greeting cards (HS 490900) totaled $14.4M in April 2026, traded with 42 countries.
Importers of Printed & Illustrated Postcards and Greeting Cards paid $838K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 10% on $8.3M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Printed & Illustrated Postcards and Greeting Cards imports of $14.4M in April 2026 ran 31% below the year-to-date monthly average of $21.0M.
Last updated: April 2026 dataImports from China dominate this heading, with Vietnam and the United Kingdom also among the leading suppliers — a supply concentration that has drawn Section 301 tariff exposure for Chinese-origin product. The US schedule divides the heading into two tariff lines: illustrated or printed postcards (4909002000) and all other printed cards, including greeting cards and announcements (4909004000). Importers should note that classification turns on whether the article is a postcard versus a folded or envelope-enclosed card, as the distinction affects both duty treatment and country-of-origin marking requirements. Seasonal demand spikes around major holidays create tight lead-time windows that make supplier diversification a practical concern.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
CBP generally treats a postcard as a single-sheet card designed to be mailed without an envelope, classified under 4909002000. Folded cards, cards sold with envelopes, or cards with attached trimmings typically fall under 4909004000 as 'cards, printed, except postcards.' The physical format and intended mailing method are the key classification factors.
Yes. Chinese-origin printed cards under this heading are subject to Section 301 tariffs. Importers sourcing from China should confirm the applicable list and rate with a licensed customs broker, as rates and product coverage have been subject to revision.
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| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHINA | $8.5M | $16K | -$8.5M |
| CANADA | $242K | $5.1M | +$4.9M |
| VIETNAM | $4.2M | -- | -$4.2M |
| UNITED KINGDOM | $540K | $136K | -$404K |
| MEXICO | $119K | $17K | -$102K |
Monthly import values over time
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4909004000 | CARDS, PRINTED, EXCEPT POSTCARDS | $14.0M | 10.08% | $806K |
| 4909002000 | POSTCARDS, PRINTED OR ILLUSTRATED | $419K | 10.60% | $32K |
CARDS, PRINTED, EXCEPT POSTCARDS
POSTCARDS, PRINTED OR ILLUSTRATED
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 4909002000 | POSTCARDS, PRINTED OR ILLUSTRATED | $5.2M |
| 4909004000 | CARDS, PRINTED, EXCEPT POSTCARDS | $289K |
POSTCARDS, PRINTED OR ILLUSTRATED
55.6K ths
CARDS, PRINTED, EXCEPT POSTCARDS
153.2K ths
PRINTED BOOKS, BROCHURES, ETC., NESOI
HS 490199
PRINTED MATTER, NESOI
HS 491199
PICTURES, DESIGNS AND PHOTOGRAPHS, PRINTED
HS 491191
CHILDREN'S PICTURE, DRAWING OR COLORING BOOKS
HS 490300
TRADE ADVERTISING MATERIAL, COMMERCIAL CATALOG ETC
HS 491110
PRINTED BOOKS/BROCHURES/LEAFLETS ETC,SINGLE SHEETS
HS 490110
| State | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unidentified | -- | $4.6M | +$4.6M |
| Kentucky | $3.1M | $303K | -$2.8M |
| California | $2.9M | $45K | -$2.8M |
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOS ANGELES, CA | $7.2M | -- | -$7.2M |
| LOW VALUE | -- | $4.6M | +$4.6M |
| LONG BEACH, CA | $2.1M | $27K | -$2.1M |