India Recorded Media Import Market -- HS 8524 Trade Data & Price Trend (Q1 2025)

India Recorded Media Import (HS 8524) Key Takeaways

India’s Recorded Media imports under HS code 8524 surged to $2.83 billion in Q1 2025, rebounding sharply in March after a mid-quarter dip, driven by high-value OLED modules and premium LCDs from dominant suppliers like Xiaomi and Samsung. China accounts for 48% of imports by value, but Vietnam and Singapore offer higher-grade alternatives, reducing reliance on bulk shipments. The market is highly concentrated, with top suppliers controlling 87% of import value, underscoring both efficiency and vulnerability. This analysis, covering Q1 2025, is based on cleanly processed customs data from the yTrade database.

India Recorded Media Import (HS 8524) Background

What is HS Code 8524?

HS Code 8524 covers recorded media for sound or other phenomena, including records, tapes, and similar products. These items are critical for industries like entertainment, education, and data storage, where demand remains stable due to archival needs and niche markets. Globally, the trade of these products is driven by both legacy systems and specialized applications.

Current Context and Strategic Position

India’s import policy for HS Code 8524 was revised from "Restricted" to "Free" in 2022, allowing unrestricted imports [TaxGuru]. This shift reflects India’s reliance on foreign-produced recorded media, particularly for archival and industrial use. As one of the top global importers under this HS code, India’s trade dynamics are influenced by supply chains from key exporters like China and Germany. Monitoring India's recorded media import trends under HS Code 8524 trade data is essential to anticipate shifts in demand or policy adjustments. Vigilance is warranted given the product’s niche yet steady role in multiple sectors.

India Recorded Media Import (HS 8524) Price Trend

Key Observations

India's recorded media imports under HS code 8524 reached approximately $2.83 billion in Q1 2025, showing significant monthly volatility. January started strong at $1.05 billion, followed by a drop to $789.32 million in February, before recovering to $987.58 million in March. This India Recorded Media Import trend highlights a quarter of uneven performance, with a net decrease from January's peak but a rebound by quarter-end.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The hs code 8524 value trend exhibited a sharp decline in February, down about 25% from January, likely due to temporary inventory adjustments or logistical delays common in media distribution cycles. March's recovery of nearly 25% from February suggests a restocking phase or renewed demand, possibly aligning with post-holiday retail preparations or corporate procurement cycles. This sequential momentum indicates resilience, with the Q1 average remaining robust despite mid-quarter softness.

External Context and Outlook

The stability in import values can be largely attributed to India's ongoing free import policy for HS code 8524, which was revised from restricted to free in 2022 [TaxGuru] and remains unchanged through 2025. This policy environment supports consistent inflow of recorded media, such as software and audio-visual materials, without tariff disruptions (IndiaBudget). Looking ahead, the absence of new regulatory changes suggests sustained import volumes, though global supply chain conditions and digitalization shifts may influence future fluctuations.

India Recorded Media Import (HS 8524) HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

According to yTrade data for Q1 2025, India's import market for HS Code 8524 is dominated by high-value organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display modules without drivers, specifically under sub-code 85241220, which accounts for the largest share of import value. This product, described as flat panel display modules of OLED without drivers or control circuits, has a unit price of 39.07 USD per unit, significantly higher than many other sub-codes, indicating a specialization in premium components. An extreme price anomaly is present in sub-code 85241190, with a very low unit price of 1.21 USD per unit, which is isolated from the main analysis due to its bulk, low-value nature.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The remaining sub-codes can be grouped into two main categories: high-grade OLED modules without drivers (e.g., 85241290 with a unit price of 74.95 USD) and mid-grade liquid crystal display (LCD) modules with drivers (e.g., 85249120 at 9.09 USD). This structure reveals a trade in differentiated manufactured goods, not fungible bulk commodities, as unit prices vary widely based on technology type and value-add stages like the inclusion of drivers, reflecting a market driven by quality and specifications rather than standardized indices.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

Importers of high-value OLED modules under India HS Code 8524 Import have stronger pricing power due to their premium nature and India's high demand for advanced display technologies. The free import policy, as confirmed by [TaxGuru], supports unrestricted access but may increase competition, urging players to focus on sourcing high-quality products. Analysis of HS Code 8524 trade data suggests that strategic emphasis should be on OLED and higher-end LCD modules to capitalize on value-driven opportunities in this segment.

Check Detailed HS Code 8524 Breakdown

India Recorded Media Import (HS 8524) Origin Countries

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In Q1 2025, China Mainland is the dominant origin for India's Recorded Media imports, holding a 48.15% value share and 66.16% quantity share. The quantity share exceeds the value share, indicating that imports from China consist mainly of lower-grade or bulk versions of recorded media. The high frequency share of 63.53% points to frequent, small shipments, typical for retail or just-in-time supply chains in this sector.

Origin Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

Other origin countries fall into three clusters. Vietnam, China Taiwan, and Singapore form a high-yield cluster, with value shares much higher than quantity shares, suggesting they supply premium recorded media like specialized software or high-end digital products. China Hongkong acts as a volume cluster with a high quantity share, serving as a logistics hub for bulk shipments. Ireland represents a transactional cluster with a disproportionately high frequency share, likely due to frequent imports of digital content or software updates.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

India's heavy dependence on China for Recorded Media imports creates supply chain vulnerability. Diversifying sources to high-yield partners like Vietnam and Singapore can reduce risks. The import policy for HS Code 8524 is free, as per [TaxGuru], which supports current import flows but underscores the importance of strategic sourcing shifts to enhance resilience for India's Recorded Media market.

Table: India Recorded Media (HS 8524) Top Origin Countries (Source: yTrade)

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India Recorded Media (HS 8524) Suppliers Analysis

Supplier Concentration and Dominance

In 2025 Q1, the India Recorded Media import market shows strong supplier concentration. According to yTrade data, a small group of high-value, high-frequency suppliers dominates, accounting for 87.17% of the total import value. These India Recorded Media import suppliers typically handle 64.19% of all shipments and 63.15% of the quantity, indicating that the average trade involves consistent, large-volume transactions from key partners.

Strategic Supplier Clusters and Trade Role

The dominant suppliers, including companies like XIAOMI and SAMSUNG, point to a Direct-to-Factory model, where imports come straight from manufacturers rather than intermediaries. Other clusters play smaller roles: high-value, low-frequency suppliers contribute 11.53% of value with less frequent orders, while low-value, high-frequency groups add minimal value but high shipment volume, and low-value, low-frequency suppliers have negligible impact. The profile of HS code 8524 suppliers confirms a market centered on major electronics producers driving most trade.

Sourcing Strategy and Vulnerability

For importers in India, the strategy should focus on maintaining strong ties with dominant suppliers to ensure reliable supply, given their overwhelming value share. The risk of over-reliance is balanced by the free import policy for HS code 8524, which supports easy access and reduces barriers [TaxGuru]. Exploring opportunities with smaller clusters could provide backup options and diversify sourcing risks.

Table: India Recorded Media (HS 8524) Top Suppliers List (Source: yTrade)

Check Full Recorded Media Supplier lists

Action Plan for Recorded Media Market Operation and Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

India's Recorded Media Import under hs code 8524 is driven by product technology and supplier dominance. High-value OLED modules command premium prices due to advanced specifications. Key suppliers like XIAOMI and SAMSYL drive volume through direct contracts. The Recorded Media supply chain faces high dependence on China for bulk imports. This creates vulnerability but offers value opportunities through strategic sourcing.

Action Plan: Data-Driven Steps for Recorded Media Market Execution and Expansion

• Use hs code 8524 trade data to prioritize sourcing of high-value OLED modules. This focuses on profitable products and maximizes returns.
• Analyze supplier frequency patterns to align inventory with delivery cycles. This prevents stockouts and reduces holding costs.
• Diversify origins by targeting high-yield clusters like Vietnam using geographic data. This mitigates risks from over-reliance on China.
• Monitor unit price trends in hs code 8524 trade data for better negotiation with suppliers. This secures cost advantages and improves margins.
• Evaluate low-frequency suppliers for backup options to enhance supply chain resilience. This ensures continuity during disruptions.

Take Action Now —— Explore India Recorded Media Import Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in India Recorded Media Import 2025 Q1?

India's recorded media imports showed significant volatility, peaking at $1.05 billion in January 2025 before dropping 25% in February and rebounding in March. This uneven performance reflects inventory adjustments and post-holiday demand shifts, with resilience supported by India's free import policy.

Q2. Who are the main origin countries of India Recorded Media (HS Code 8524) 2025 Q1?

China dominates with 48.15% of import value, followed by Vietnam, China Taiwan, and Singapore as high-yield premium suppliers. China also accounts for 66.16% of shipment volume, indicating bulk/low-grade imports.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across origin countries of India Recorded Media Import?

Price differences stem from product specialization: high-grade OLED modules (e.g., sub-code 85241290 at $74.95/unit) vs. mid-grade LCD modules (e.g., 85249120 at $9.09/unit). High-yield origins like Singapore supply premium tech, while China focuses on bulk shipments.

Q4. What should importers in India focus on when buying Recorded Media?

Importers should prioritize relationships with dominant suppliers like XIAOMI and SAMSUNG (87.17% of value share) while diversifying to high-yield clusters (Vietnam/Singapore) to mitigate over-reliance on China.

Q5. What does this India Recorded Media import pattern mean for overseas suppliers?

Major suppliers enjoy stable demand due to India's free import policy, but premium-tech exporters (e.g., Vietnam) have growth opportunities as India seeks to diversify from China-dominated bulk shipments.

Q6. How is Recorded Media typically used in this trade flow?

Imports under HS Code 8524 include high-value OLED/LCD display modules for electronics manufacturing, driven by India's demand for advanced display technologies in consumer and industrial applications.

Detailed Monthly Report

India HS8524 Import Snapshot 2025 JAN

India HS8524 Import Snapshot 2025 FEB

India HS8524 Import Snapshot 2025 MAR