Malta was the largest exporter with 11% of the world total, and China was the largest buyer.
What this market covers
Printing of banknotes, passports, tax stamps and certificates with anti forgery features. Governments, central banks and issuers of valuable documents are the main customers.
Typical segments
- Banknote printing
- Identity documents
- Tax and excise stamps
- Cheques and vouchers
Why this market is moving now
- World trade grew 3% from 2019 to 2024, a direct read on cross-border demand.
- France is gaining ground: its exports rose 96% from 2019 to 2024, the fastest among the ten largest exporters.
Key figures
Global figures for this market, with the year each one describes. Use Cite to copy a reference to this page.
| Figure | Value | Year | Cite |
|---|---|---|---|
| World exports of unused postage, revenue or similar stamps of current or new issue in the country in which (HS 490700), the trade category that includes security printing, were worth $2.32 billion in 2024. | 2.32 USD billion | 2024 | |
| World exports were 3% higher in 2024 than in 2019 ($2.25 billion), calculated from the annual totals. | +3 % since 2019 | 2024 | |
| Malta was the largest exporter in 2024, with 11% of world exports ($256.8 million). | 11 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The three largest exporters, Malta, Germany and China, shipped 29% of world exports in 2024. | 29 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| China was the largest importer in 2024, buying $267.0 million, or 12% of world imports. | 12 % of world imports | 2024 | |
| 63 countries exported more than $1 million of this product in 2024. | 63 countries | 2024 | |
| The average world export price was about $54.12 per kilogram in 2024, calculated from value and weight. | 54.12 USD per kg | 2024 | |
| Countries exported 42.9 thousand tonnes of this product in 2024. | 42.9 thousand tonnes | 2024 | |
| Among the ten largest exporters, France grew fastest, with exports up 96% from 2019 to 2024. | +96 % since 2019 | 2024 |
Calculated figures (shares, changes and prices per kilogram) are plain arithmetic on the reported values. Read how we work.
Buyers and suppliers
Who buys
- Central banks
- Government agencies
- Document issuers
Largest exporting countries, 2024
Largest importing countries, 2024
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the global market - 03Global market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Countries and regions
Demand, supply and trade by country and region - 05Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 06Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 07Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 08Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 09Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 10Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 11Method and assumptions
How every figure was built
Included with the full report
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- Excel data pack
- Ready-to-use charts
- Method note and assumptions
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Frequently asked questions
How big is the global security printing market?
There is no single official market total. World exports of HS 490700 reached $2.32 billion in 2024, a direct measure of cross-border trade.
Which countries export the most security printing?
Malta led world exports in 2024 with 11% of the total, followed by Germany, China and France.
Which countries import the most security printing?
China was the largest importer in 2024, followed by the United States, the Philippines and Nigeria.
Is world trade in security printing growing?
World exports were 3% higher in 2024 than in 2019.
What is the average export price of security printing?
Dividing world export value by weight gives about $54.12 per kilogram in 2024.
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