China Headphone Exports

In April 2023, approximately 148M units of headphones were exported from China; waning by -5.3% compared with March 2023 figures. In general, exports saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in March 2023 when exports increased by 94% against the previous month. The exports peaked at 171M units in September 2022; however, from October 2022 to April 2023, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, headphone exports reduced markedly to $356M (IndexBox estimates) in April 2023. Over the period under review, total exports indicated a mild increase from April 2022 to April 2023: its value increased at an average monthly rate of +1.5% over the last twelve-month period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on April 2023 figures, exports increased by +37.7% against February 2023 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in March 2023 with an increase of 62% month-to-month. The exports peaked at 472M units in September 2022; however, from October 2022 to April 2023, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

India (21M units), the United States (16M units) and Malaysia (6.1M units) were the main destinations of headphone exports from China, with a combined 29% share of total exports. These countries were followed by Brazil, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Thailand, Germany and Egypt, which together accounted for a further 30%.

From April 2022 to April 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Germany (with a CAGR of +8.2%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the United States ($94M) remains the key foreign market for headphone exports from China, comprising 27% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by India ($41M), with a 12% share of total exports. It was followed by Malaysia, with a 3.8% share.

From April 2022 to April 2023, the average monthly growth rate of value to the United States stood at +1.9%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average monthly rates of exports growth: India (+11.8% per month) and Malaysia (+2.9% per month).

Export Prices by Country

In April 2023, the headphone price stood at $2.4 per unit (FOB, China), falling by -10.4% against the previous month. In general, export price indicated a mild expansion from April 2022 to April 2023: its price increased at an average monthly rate of +1.8% over the last twelve months. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on April 2023 figures, headphone export price decreased by -25.1% against February 2023 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in February 2023 when the average export price increased by 74% m-o-m. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $3,212 per thousand units. From March 2023 to April 2023, the the average export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major foreign markets. In April 2023, the country with the highest price was the United States ($5.9 per unit), while the average price for exports to Egypt ($510 per thousand units) was amongst the lowest.

From April 2022 to April 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to India (+11.6%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform