U.S. exports of Sets of Pens and Pencils (HS 960850) totaled $33K in August 2026.
Sets of Pens and Pencils imports of $12K in August 2026 ran 69% below the year-to-date monthly average of $39K.
Last updated: August 2026 dataAssembled sets combining two or more writing instruments — such as ballpoint pens, fountain pens, or mechanical pencils — are classified together under a single tariff line (9608500000) rather than by individual pen type. Mexico leads US supply of these sets, followed by China and Germany, reflecting both mass-market production and premium gift-set sourcing. Importers should note that the set classification applies only when the articles span subheadings 9608.10 through 9608.40; mixed sets that fall outside that range may require reclassification. Section 301 tariff exposure applies to sets sourced from China.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
3 import shipments a month
Classification as a set requires that the articles consist of two or more items classifiable across subheadings 9608.10 through 9608.40 (e.g., a ballpoint pen paired with a mechanical pencil), presented together in retail packaging. If the combination falls outside that range — for example, including a marker or highlighter — the set classification may not apply and each item could be classified separately.
Yes. Imports of pen and pencil sets originating in China are subject to Section 301 tariffs. Importers should verify the current applicable list and rate with a licensed customs broker, as Section 301 coverage and rates can change.
Subheading 8 of 8 in heading 9608
Subheading 960850 · $33K of $23.8M
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ImportsExports
Imports
$12KYoY · free account
Exports
$33KYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $723K of Sets of Pens and Pencils and exported $610K.
Fewer than 6 of the last 12 months reported trade, or the latest month was under $500K; the trend chart is not shown for thin series.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Exports · August 2026
destination
Canada and Saudi Arabia together take 74% of it.
customs district
origin
entry
rate provision · imports
duty collected equals 9.01% of imports for consumption.
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9608500000 | Sets of Art Frm Two or More Subhd 9608.10--9608.40 | $12K | 9.01% | 100.00% | $1K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 9608500000 | Sets of Art Frm Two or More Subhd 9608.10--9608.40 | $33K |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.