U.S. imports of Printed Books, Brochures & Similar Printed Matter (NAICS 323117) totaled $273.4M in August 2026, imported from 110 countries.
Importers of Printed Books, Brochures & Similar Printed Matter paid $7.5M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 2.73% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Printed Books, Brochures & Similar Printed Matter imports of $273.4M in August 2026 ran 12% above the year-to-date monthly average of $244.4M.
Last updated: August 2026 dataBooks, brochures, leaflets, and similar printed matter occupy a duty-favored position in the US tariff schedule, reflecting longstanding policy support for the free flow of information and educational materials. Classification turns on whether the item constitutes a bound book, a single-sheet leaflet, or a multi-page brochure — distinctions that map to different HTS headings under Chapter 49. Importers should also be aware that certain printed matter containing advertising content may be reclassified away from the duty-free book provisions depending on its primary purpose.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
12.1K import shipments a month
Not automatically. Under the HTS, bound books generally receive favorable duty treatment, but brochures, leaflets, and advertising circulars may be classified under different headings with different duty rates depending on their content, format, and binding. A licensed customs broker can confirm the correct heading based on the specific article.
CBP applies a primary-purpose analysis to determine whether a printed piece is an informational publication or an advertising circular. If the dominant function is promoting a product or service, the item may be excluded from book-type headings and classified as printed advertising matter, which can carry a different duty rate. Detailed content review and legal counsel are advisable for borderline cases.
National industry 2 of 2 in naics industry 32311
National industry 323117 · $273.4M of $621.4M
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Imports · August 2026
origin
China and United Kingdom together supply 63% of it.
customs district
Census does not publish district detail for this classification system.
destination
Census publishes state breakdowns for NAICS to the 4-digit level only. See NAICS 3231 for those.
entry
Census does not publish port detail for this classification system.
ImportsExports
Imports
$273.4MYoY · free account
Exports
$149.3MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $2.8B of Printed Books, Brochures & Similar Printed Matter and exported $1.7B.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.