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SITCSection 8
U.S. imports of microfilm, microfiche & other microform readers (SITC 88131) totaled $30K in April 2026, traded with 5 countries.
Microfilm, Microfiche & Other Microform Readers imports of $30K in April 2026 ran 45% above the year-to-date monthly average of $20K.
Last updated: April 2026 dataOptical readers designed to magnify and display images recorded on microfilm, microfiche, or other microform media — including models capable of producing paper copies — are classified under SITC 88131. These devices serve government archives, libraries, legal records management, and financial institutions that maintain legacy document collections on film-based media. The market is mature and largely replacement-driven, with demand concentrated in institutions that have not yet completed digitization of their microform holdings.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
A reader-scanner combination that primarily functions as a microform reader but includes a digital scanning capability is generally still classified here, provided the microform reading function is the principal purpose. However, if the device is primarily a document scanner that incidentally reads microfilm, it may fall under a different heading. The principal-function test is key, and a licensed customs broker should be consulted for combination units.
Government agencies, federal and state archives, university libraries, legal records departments, and financial institutions with legacy document retention obligations are the primary buyers. Demand is largely replacement-driven as institutions maintain existing microform collections while gradually transitioning to digital storage.
| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHINA | $25K | -- | -$25K |
| UNITED KINGDOM | $5K | -- | -$5K |
| EL SALVADOR | -- | -- | -- |
| BAHRAIN | -- | -- | -- |
| BULGARIA | -- | -- | -- |
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Monthly import values over time