India Recorded Media Import Market -- HS 8524 Trade Data & Price Trend (Q2 2025)

India Recorded Media Import (HS 8524) Key Takeaways

India's Recorded Media Import under HS Code 8524 in Q2 2025 reveals a market dominated by high-grade OLED modules and standard liquid crystal displays, with suppliers like LENOVO and PEGATRON controlling nearly 90% of trade value. China accounts for over 80% of imports, though Vietnam emerges as a high-value alternative. Volatility peaked in May ($1.18B) before easing in June ($1.00B), reflecting unpredictable demand. This analysis, based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database, highlights strategic risks and opportunities in India's hs code 8524 trade data.

India Recorded Media Import (HS 8524) Background

What is HS Code 8524?

HS Code 8524 covers records, tapes, and other recorded media for sound or other phenomena, including digital and physical formats. This category is critical for industries like entertainment, education, and data storage, where demand for archival and distribution media remains steady. Global trade in these products is driven by technological advancements and the need for reliable storage solutions.

Current Context and Strategic Position

India’s import policy for HS Code 8524 was revised in February 2022, shifting from 'Restricted' to 'Free' status, a move that remains in effect as of Q2 2025 [TaxGuru]. This liberalization reflects India’s reliance on imports to meet domestic demand, particularly in media production and IT sectors. As the world’s largest importer of HS Code 8524 items, India’s trade dynamics are closely tied to global supply chains and pricing trends [Volza]. Market participants should monitor India’s recorded media import trends and HS Code 8524 trade data for shifts in tariffs or supply disruptions. Vigilance is key, given the product’s role in critical industries.

India Recorded Media Import (HS 8524) Price Trend

Key Observations

India's recorded media imports under HS code 8524 demonstrated notable volatility in Q2 2025, with values reaching $1.18 billion in May before declining to $1.00 billion in June. The quarter averaged strong import activity but ended with a downward shift, highlighting unpredictable demand patterns.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The India Recorded Media Import trend showed a fluctuating trajectory from January to June 2025. After a drop to $789.32 million in February, values climbed steadily through March ($987.58 million) and April ($1.02 billion), peaking in May. This sequential rise likely reflects industry-specific cycles, such as pre-monsoon inventory builds or technology refresh periods common in electronics and media sectors. However, the June pullback to $1.00 billion indicates potential market saturation or seasonal easing.

External Context and Outlook

Policy stability has been a key factor, with imports under HS code 8524 remaining free from restrictions since February 2022 [TaxGuru]. This consistent regulatory backdrop suggests that the quarter's volatility stems from external drivers like global supply chain adjustments or shifting consumer demand for digital and physical media, rather than domestic policy shifts. Looking ahead, the hs code 8524 value trend may continue to reflect broader economic and technological cycles.

India Recorded Media Import (HS 8524) HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

According to yTrade data, India's import of HS Code 8524 in Q2 2025 is dominated by OLED display modules without drivers, specifically the sub-code with a unit price of $38.26 per unit, indicating a focus on high-value components. An anomaly is noted for a liquid crystal module with drivers at $75.99 per unit, which is isolated from the main analysis due to its extreme price point.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The non-anomalous sub-codes fall into two main categories: high-grade OLED modules with unit prices ranging from $33.22 to $58.41 per unit, and standard liquid crystal modules with prices from $1.29 to $21.69 per unit, including both with and without drivers. This wide range in unit prices shows that India's HS Code 8524 import market deals with differentiated manufactured goods, not fungible bulk commodities, reflecting varied quality grades and technological levels.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

The analysis of HS Code 8524 trade data suggests that suppliers can exercise pricing power based on product differentiation, such as pushing high-end OLED offerings. With the import policy for India's HS Code 8524 remaining free since 2022 [TaxGuru], market players should prioritize strategic focus on high-value segments to capitalize on demand without regulatory barriers.

Check Detailed HS Code 8524 Breakdown

India Recorded Media Import (HS 8524) Origin Countries

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In Q2 2025, India's imports of Recorded Media under HS Code 8524 are heavily concentrated, with CHINA MAINLAND as the dominant origin. China holds an 81.68% share in quantity and 70.42% in value, but the value share is lower than the quantity share, suggesting that shipments from China consist of lower-unit-value or bulk-oriented Recorded Media products. The high frequency share of 80.89% indicates frequent, small-lot transactions, typical for consumer electronics or just-in-time supply chains in this sector.

Origin Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The origin countries form two main clusters based on share profiles. First, the Volume Cluster includes CHINA MAINLAND and SOUTH KOREA, which together account for high quantity shares (81.68% and 7.70%, respectively), pointing to their roles as mass-production hubs for cost-effective Recorded Media. Second, the High-Yield Cluster features VIETNAM, with a value share of 21.56%远超 its quantity share of 5.25%, indicating supplies of higher-value or premium products, likely due to Vietnam's growing manufacturing capabilities for advanced media devices. Other countries like JAPAN and CHINA TAIWAN have minor shares, reflecting niche or specialized market segments.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

India's heavy reliance on China for Recorded Media imports creates supply chain risks, such as disruptions or cost volatility. Diversifying sourcing to High-Yield Cluster partners like Vietnam could mitigate dependency and enhance resilience. The import policy for HS Code 8524 remains 'Free' since its revision in 2022 [TaxGuru], supporting current trade flows without new restrictions in Q2 2025 (TaxGuru). This policy environment encourages continued imports but underscores the need for strategic sourcing adjustments to balance cost and risk in India's Recorded Media supply chain.

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

According to yTrade data, the India Recorded Media Import suppliers market in Q2 2025 is highly concentrated, with one cluster handling nearly 90% of the total import value. This dominant group also accounts for over 70% of both shipment frequency and quantity, making it the core of the trade. The typical import involves high-value, frequent shipments, reflecting a steady and substantial flow of goods into India.

Strategic Supplier Clusters and Trade Role

The profile of HS code 8524 suppliers shows that the dominant cluster consists of major manufacturers like LENOVO and PEGATRON, pointing to a Direct-to-Factory sourcing model. Other clusters play smaller roles: one with high value but low frequency includes specialized electronics firms, while low-value groups involve diverse traders and companies with minimal impact on overall trade value. This structure emphasizes direct relationships with producers rather than intermediaries.

Sourcing Strategy and Vulnerability

For importers in India, the heavy reliance on a few key manufacturers under a free import policy, as confirmed by recent updates [TaxGuru], reduces regulatory risks but increases exposure to supply chain disruptions. Strategic focus should be on diversifying suppliers within the high-value cluster to mitigate dependency, while leveraging the policy freedom to explore cost-effective opportunities. This approach balances efficiency with resilience in sourcing.

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

The core price drivers for India's Recorded Media Import under HS Code 8524 are product technology level and OEM contract volumes. High-specification OLED modules command premium prices. Major manufacturers like LENOVO control pricing through direct supply relationships.

The Recorded Media supply chain implies an assembly hub role for India. It is heavily dependent on high-volume, low-cost components from China. This creates vulnerability to disruptions. The free import policy since 2022 supports current flows but does not reduce geographic risk.

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

• Analyze hs code 8524 trade data unit prices by sub-code monthly. This identifies real-time shifts toward premium or budget products. It allows you to adjust procurement to match market demand and maximize margins.
• Map all active suppliers in the high-value cluster beyond the top two. Use company profile data to identify alternative OEMs. This reduces over-reliance on single sources and builds supply chain resilience.
• Benchmark import costs from Vietnam against China for high-yield items. Compare the landed cost of premium modules. This diversifies your geographic sourcing to capitalize on Vietnam's higher-value output and mitigate China concentration risk.
• Monitor shipment frequency data from key suppliers for lead time changes. Track any delays or surges in delivery patterns. This enables proactive inventory management to prevent production halts from supply 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 Q2?

India's Recorded Media imports showed volatility in Q2 2025, peaking at $1.18 billion in May before declining to $1.00 billion in June. This reflects unpredictable demand patterns, likely tied to industry cycles like pre-monsoon inventory builds or technology refreshes.

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

China dominates with 81.68% of import quantity and 70.42% of value, followed by South Korea (7.70% quantity) and Vietnam (21.56% value share despite 5.25% quantity).

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

Prices vary due to product differentiation: China supplies lower-unit-value bulk items, while Vietnam provides higher-value premium products like advanced OLED modules ($33.22–$58.41/unit).

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

Importers should diversify sourcing to high-yield partners like Vietnam to reduce reliance on China, while leveraging direct relationships with key manufacturers (e.g., LENOVO, PEGATRON) for efficiency.

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

Suppliers in China face steady demand but pricing pressure, while Vietnamese manufacturers can capitalize on premium product opportunities due to India’s strategic shift toward higher-value segments.

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

Imported Recorded Media, such as OLED and liquid crystal modules, are likely used in consumer electronics manufacturing, reflecting India’s demand for differentiated display components.

Detailed Monthly Report

India HS8524 Import Snapshot 2025 APR

India HS8524 Import Snapshot 2025 MAY

India HS8524 Import Snapshot 2025 JUN