U.S. imports of Ballpoint Pens, Fountain Pens, Felt-Tip Markers & Propelling Pencils (SITC 89521) totaled $79.5M in August 2026, imported from 58 countries.
Importers of Ballpoint Pens, Fountain Pens, Felt-Tip Markers & Propelling Pencils paid $10.9M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 13.77% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: August 2026 dataWriting instruments — including ballpoint pens, felt-tipped and porous-tipped markers, fountain pens, stylographs, and propelling (mechanical) pencils — represent one of the most globally traded stationery categories, with China a dominant manufacturing source and Section 301 tariffs a persistent landed-cost factor for US importers. Classification within this heading turns on the ink-delivery mechanism: ballpoint (viscous ink on a rotating ball), felt or porous tip (capillary flow), or pressurized reservoir (fountain and stylograph). Luxury writing instruments — particularly fountain pens with precious-metal nibs or bodies — may carry significantly higher customs values and warrant careful valuation documentation.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
6.7K import shipments a month
Multi-function instruments are generally classified according to their principal function. A pen that also incorporates a touchscreen stylus tip would typically be classified as a pen if writing is the primary marketed function. When functions are genuinely equal, classification follows the heading that appears last in numerical order among those applicable. Detailed product specifications and marketing materials help support the classification position.
Customs value must reflect the transaction value of the complete pen as imported, including any precious-metal nib, cap, or barrel. If the pen is sold as part of a gift set with a case or accessories, the value of the entire set must be declared unless the components are separately classified and invoiced. Importers of high-value writing instruments should ensure commercial invoices itemize unit values accurately to avoid undervaluation findings.
Basic heading 119 of 419 in section 8
Basic heading 89521 · $79.5M of $46.9B
ImportsExports
Imports
$79.5MYoY · free account
Exports
$23.5MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $987.2M of Ballpoint Pens, Fountain Pens, Felt-Tip Markers & Propelling Pencils.
Through August 2026 · exports 11 of 12 months reported. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · August 2026
origin
China and Japan together supply 58% of it. China pays 25.8% duty; Mexico 0.4%.
customs district
Census does not publish district detail for this classification system.
destination
Census does not publish state detail for this classification system.
entry
Census does not publish port detail for this classification system.
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