We are no strangers to pencils. From the moment we first learn to write, pencils become our companions. As life goes on, we discover that pencils are used in ever more ways and come in an ever greater variety.
       A pencil is a writing or drawing tool that uses graphite (or pigment-clay mix) as its core and a wooden barrel as its handle. By 2025 the latest technology has produced lead-free, biodegradable-wood and even digital-core versions.

       China is the world’s largest pencil producer, accounting for more than 50 % of global output. GTM data show that in 2025 China exported pencils worth US$586 million, down 13.66 % year-on-year, with volume at 119,300 t, down 6.72 %. Coloured pencils fetched US$303 million (51.73 % of the total) and ordinary pencils US$283 million (48.27 %).

       Monthly figures display pronounced seasonality: high in the first half, lower later, with mid-year swings. Export value peaked from March to June, hitting US$68.01 million in May, then slid to US$41.68 million by December.

       China’s coloured pencils (HS 96091010) swung most sharply: May receipts topped US$37.15 million, February bottomed at US$15.23 million—a two-fold gap—underscoring strong seasonality. Ordinary pencils (HS 96091020) moved more steadily, peaking at US$8.6 million in May, contrasting with the coloured segment’s sustained post-May decline.

       China’s pencil exports are spread across a diversified portfolio of markets. The top ten destinations span Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines), the Middle East (UAE), Europe (Germany, Italy, Russia, Netherlands) and the Americas (U.S.), together accounting for 70 % of annual export value.

       The United States alone takes 20.5 % of the total, remaining the undisputed No. 1 buyer despite sharp monthly swings. Colombia, Peru and Chile are fast-gaining attention: Peru’s September shipments topped USD 2.65 million and Chile’s October exports exceeded USD 1.77 million, highlighting their latent potential.

       Pakistan and Bangladesh, though still small in volume, merit watch-list status as populous, price-sensitive countries.

       Tariff risk clouds the U.S. outlook. Higher duties would lift shelf prices, intensify competition and divert orders. Buyers may shift to Southeast Asia or Latin America, where demand is rising but skewed toward mid- and low-end grades.

       Overall, China’s pencil exporters must move beyond pure cost advantage, embracing tech upgrades, green transformation and cultural branding to break through growth ceilings and keep pace with dynamic global demand.

       Note: data cover HS 96091020 (ordinary pencils) and HS 96091010 (coloured pencils).

       As China's first data company, Guomaotong provides import and export customs data for over 90 countries from 2010 to present. It can accurately analyze market distribution and transaction details of import and export enterprises online, and analyze transaction volumes, prices, and supply cycles. It offers reliable data for foreign trade enterprises and industry consulting firms.

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