Exploring the HS Code 8517 Import Export Data: Telephones & Network Devices Global Market Analysis 2025

Introduction

HS Code 8517 covers one of the most critical product categories in the modern global economy: telephones, smartphones, and network communication devices. This single HS code group encompasses mobile phones, smartphones, VoIP phones, base stations, routers, switches, modems, and other equipment for data transmission and reception. In simple terms, HS Code 8517 represents the physical backbone of global digital connectivity. According to the latest global trade data and telephone/mobile phone export data, the total value of mobile phone exports reached $600.81 billion in 2024, a 3% increase from the previous year. The total value of global telephone/mobile phone imports reached $635.30 billion in 2024, a 2% decline from the previous year, as per the phone import data.

The total value of global phone & network devices trade under HS code 8517 reached $1.23 trillion in 2024-25. As we move through 2025, the trade patterns of HS Code 8517 offer a clear view into broader trends shaping the telecom, electronics, and digital infrastructure industries. The 2024-25 import export data reflects shifts in smartphone demand, 5G network expansion, supply chain diversification, geopolitical realignments, and the rapid rise of emerging manufacturing hubs.

This blog offers a data-driven and detailed analysis of HS Code 8517 global trade for 2024-25, examining market size, major exporting and importing countries, regional trade flows, product segmentation, pricing trends, and the implications of these insights for global businesses in 2025.

Understanding HS Code 8517: Product Scope

HS Code 8517 broadly includes:

• Smartphones and feature phones

• Cordless and wired telephones

• VoIP and IP phones

• Base stations for cellular networks

• Routers, switches, hubs, and modems

• Data transmission and reception equipment

• Network interface cards and related devices

This category does not include consumer electronics such as tablets or laptops unless they are primarily designed for communication functions. The diversity within HS Code 8517 explains its consistently high share of global electronics trade value.

Global Market Size of HS Code 8517 Trade (2024-25)

In 2024-25, global trade under HS Code 8517 exceeded USD 850 billion in total import-export value. Smartphones alone accounted for more than 55 percent of this value, followed by network infrastructure equipment at around 30 percent. The remaining share came from traditional telephony equipment and specialized communication devices.

For 2024-25, overall trade growth under HS Code 8517 remained moderate at approximately 4 to 6 percent year-on-year. While mature smartphone markets in North America and Europe showed limited volume growth, demand remained strong in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, driven by population growth, digital inclusion programs, and expanding mobile broadband coverage.

Network devices recorded faster growth than smartphones, supported by:

• 5G rollout across Asia-Pacific and Europe

• Data center expansion

• Cloud computing growth

• Enterprise network upgrades

Telephones & Network Devices Imports by Country: Top Phone Importing Countries

Telephones & Network Devices Imports by Country reveal the top phone-importing countries, showcasing the global demand for communication technology. As per the latest data, countries like the United States, China, and Japan lead in importing telephones and network devices, reflecting their reliance on these communication tools for business and personal use. The leading telephone & mobile phone importing countries, as per the HS code 8517 import data for 2024-25, include:

1. USA: $115.08 billion (18.1%)

The United States leads the way in phone imports, with a staggering $115.08 billion spent on telephones and network devices. This accounts for 18.1% of the total global imports in this category, as per the US import data by HS code 8517. With a tech-savvy population and thriving telecommunications industry, it comes as no surprise that the US tops the list.

2. Hong Kong: $59.63 billion (9.4%)

Hong Kong follows closely behind the US, importing $59.63 billion worth of phones and network devices. The region's strategic location, robust infrastructure, and business-friendly environment make it a key player in the global import market. Hong Kong serves as a gateway to the Asian market, further boosting its import numbers.

3. United Arab Emirates: $42.09 billion (6.6%)

The United Arab Emirates is another significant player in the phone import industry, with $42.09 billion spent on telecommunications devices. The country's rapid economic growth, high disposable income, and tech-savvy population drive the demand for the latest phone models and network devices.

4. Japan: $26.09 billion (4.1%)

Known for its technological advancements, Japan imports $26.09 billion worth of telephones and network devices. The country's strong manufacturing base, innovation-driven economy, and consumer demand for cutting-edge technology contribute to its high import numbers in this category.

5. Germany: $25.60 billion (4%)

Germany, with its reputation for quality engineering and innovation, imports $25.60 billion worth of phones and network devices. The country's strong industrial base, focus on research and development, and high purchasing power make it a key player in the global phone import market.

6. Netherlands: $24.08 billion (3.8%)

The Netherlands is also a significant importer of telephones and network devices, with $24.08 billion spent in this category. The country's strategic location, well-developed trade infrastructure, and open economy contribute to its robust import numbers.

7. China: $20.51 billion (3.2%)

As a major manufacturing hub, China imports $20.51 billion worth of phones and network devices. The country's large population, growing middle class, and booming e-commerce sector drive the demand for the latest phone models and network devices from around the world.

8. United Kingdom: $20.12 billion (3.2%)

The United Kingdom is another key player in the phone import industry, with $20.12 billion spent on telecommunications devices. The country's highly digitized economy, strong consumer demand for the latest technology, and competitive market drive its import numbers in this category.

9. India: $17.63 billion (2.8%)

India, with its rapidly growing economy and large population, imports $17.63 billion worth of telephones and network devices. The country's increasing smartphone penetration, rising disposable income, and government initiatives drive the demand for phone imports in India.

10. Mexico: $17.39 billion (2.7%)

Mexico rounds out the list of top phone-importing countries, with $17.39 billion spent on phones and network devices. The country's proximity to the US market, growing consumer demand for smartphones, and expanding telecommunications infrastructure contribute to its import numbers.

Telephones & Network Devices Exports by Country: Top Phone Exporting Countries

Top Phone Exporting Countries showcases the leading nations excelling in the exportation of telecommunication equipment. This data provides valuable insights into the global trade of mobile phones, routers, and network devices. Countries like China, India, and Vietnam top the list with their robust export capabilities and advanced technological innovations. The top 10 mobile phone exporting countries, as per the HS code 8517 export data and phone shipment data for 2024-25, include: 

1. China: $135.3 billion 

China, known as the "world's factory," holds the top spot as the largest exporter of telephones and network devices. With a staggering $135 billion in exports, accounting for 35.8% of the global market share, China's technological prowess is unmatched. The country's robust manufacturing capabilities and cutting-edge technology have solidified its position as a powerhouse in the phone exporting industry.

2. Hong Kong: $25.8 billion 

Hong Kong, a global financial hub, is also a major player in the phone exporting industry. With $25.8 billion in exports, Hong Kong serves as a crucial trading hub for telecommunication devices. The city's well-established infrastructure, business-friendly policies, and strategic location make it a preferred destination for international traders and manufacturers alike.

3. India: $24.1 billion 

India, known for its rapid economic growth and technological advancements, is also a major exporter of telephones and network devices, as the 3rd largest smartphone exporter. Capturing 9.8% of the global market share, India's strong manufacturing base and skilled workforce have contributed to its success in the phone exporting industry. The country's focus on innovation and quality has made Indian-made telecommunication products highly competitive in the international market. India became the world’s third-largest mobile exporter in 2024-25 with exports of US$24.1 billion for mobile phones, marking a huge structural transformation in its electronics export sector.

4. Vietnam: $19.4 billion 

Vietnam has emerged as a key player in the phone exporting market, with $19.4 billion in exports, capturing 9.6% of the total market share, as per the Vietnam customs export data by HS code 8517. The country's strategic location, skilled workforce, and favorable business environment have attracted numerous international manufacturers looking to capitalize on Vietnam's growing economy. As a result, Vietnam has seen a rapid increase in phone exports in recent years.

5. USA: $13 billion 

The United States, a leader in technological innovation, is a significant exporter of telephones and network devices. With $13 billion in exports, capturing 6.5% of the global market share, the USA's advanced research and development capabilities have propelled its phone exporting industry. American-made telecommunication products are highly sought after worldwide, further solidifying the country's position in the global market.

6. Czech Republic: $12.9 billion 

The Czech Republic is a key player in the phone exporting market, with $12.9 billion in exports. The country's skilled workforce, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and favorable business climate have made it an attractive destination for telecommunication companies looking to outsource production. The Czech Republic's commitment to quality and efficiency has solidified its position as a top exporter of telephones and network devices.

7. Saudi Arabia: $6.4 billion 

Saudi Arabia has established itself as a key player in the phone exporting market, with $6.4 billion in exports, accounting for 3.9% of the total market share. The country's strategic location, modern infrastructure, and business-friendly policies have attracted multinational corporations looking to set up manufacturing facilities in the UAE. As a result, the UAE has experienced significant growth in the telecommunications sector.

8. Singapore: $5.8 billion 

Singapore, a regional economic hub, is also a significant player in the phone exporting industry. With $5.8 billion in exports, Singapore's strategic location, well-established infrastructure, and pro-business policies have attracted multinational corporations looking to establish a presence in Asia. The country's high-tech manufacturing facilities and skilled workforce have enabled Singapore to become a key player in the global telecommunications market.

9. Netherlands: $5.1 billion 

The Netherlands, a global trading powerhouse, is a significant player in the phone exporting industry, as per the Netherlands export data by HS code 8517. With $5.1 billion in exports, the country's well-developed infrastructure and trade network have made it a preferred hub for telecommunication exports. The Netherlands' strategic location, stable economy, and business-friendly environment have attracted international manufacturers looking to expand their presence in Europe.

10. Mexico: $4.8 billion 

Mexico has emerged as a major exporter of telephones and network devices, with $4.8 billion in exports, capturing 2.5% of the global market share. The country's proximity to the United States, strong manufacturing capabilities, and skilled workforce have made Mexico an attractive destination for telecommunication companies looking to expand their operations. Mexico's competitive pricing and high-quality products have helped it secure a solid foothold in the phone exporting industry.

HS Code 8517 Import-Export Data in the Last 10 Years

Detailed Insights of Key Exporting Countries for HS Code 8517 (2024-25)

China: The Dominant Exporter

China continued to lead global exports of HS Code 8517 products in 2024-25, accounting for approximately 38 to 40 percent of total export value. Despite diversification efforts by global brands, China remains the largest manufacturing base for smartphones, routers, and telecom equipment.

Key drivers behind China’s dominance include:

• Deep electronics supply chains

• Advanced manufacturing ecosystems

• High-volume smartphone assembly capacity

• Presence of major OEMs and contract manufacturers

However, export growth from China slowed slightly in 2024 due to:

• Rising labor and compliance costs

• Trade restrictions in certain Western markets

• Partial relocation of smartphone assembly to Southeast Asia and India

India: Rapid Scale-Up in Smartphone Exports

India recorded double-digit export growth under HS Code 8517 in 2024-25. While its global export share remained smaller at around 4 to 5 percent, the growth trajectory was significant, as it moved ahead of Vietnam as the 3rd largest mobile phone exporter globally. In a remarkable turnaround, India has emerged as the world’s third-largest mobile phone exporter, clocking exports worth US $20.5 billion in calendar year 2024 and an even higher US $24.1 billion in 2024–25, according to a recent study by the Centre for Development Studies.

Smartphone exports led India’s HS Code 8517 trade, supported by:

• Production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes

• Expansion of assembly plants

• Focus on export-oriented manufacturing

India’s role is expected to grow further in 2025 as more brands diversify production away from single-country dependence.

Vietnam: The Fastest-Growing Export Hub

Vietnam emerged as one of the fastest-growing exporters under HS Code 8517 in 2024-25. The country captured an estimated 9 to 10 percent share of global exports, driven mainly by smartphone production, as per the Vietnam smartphone exports data.

Major global brands expanded manufacturing capacity in Vietnam to reduce supply chain risk and tariff exposure. Vietnam’s advantages include competitive labor costs, strong trade agreements, and proximity to component suppliers in East Asia.

Other Key Exporters

Other major exporting countries included:

• South Korea specializes in high-end smartphones and network equipment

• Taiwan is focused on advanced networking and telecom components

• Mexico serves as a regional export base for North America

• Germany and the Netherlands are exporting high-value telecom infrastructure equipment

Detailed Insights of Major Importing Countries for HS Code 8517 (2024-25)

United States: The Largest Import Market

The United States remained the world’s largest importer of HS Code 8517 products in 2024-25, accounting for approximately 18 to 20 percent of global imports by value.

Key import drivers included:

• High smartphone replacement demand

• Expansion of 5G infrastructure

• Data center and enterprise network upgrades

While the US imported significant volumes from China, imports from Vietnam, India, and Mexico increased as companies rebalanced supply chains.

European Union: Technology and Network Upgrades

The European Union collectively represented one of the largest HS Code 8517 import markets. Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy, and Spain were the leading importers.

In 2024-25, EU imports were driven by:

• 5G network deployment

• Public and private sector digitization

• Replacement cycles for smartphones and routers

Regulatory requirements related to security and sustainability influenced sourcing decisions, particularly for telecom infrastructure equipment.

Emerging Import Markets

Several emerging economies showed strong import growth under HS Code 8517:

• India, as domestic demand outpaced local production for certain devices

• Brazil, driven by smartphone penetration growth

• Indonesia and Vietnam, fueled by digital adoption

• African markets such as Nigeria and South Africa, reflecting expanding mobile networks

Regional Trade Patterns and Shifts

Asia-Pacific: Manufacturing and Consumption Hub

Asia-Pacific remained both the largest exporting and importing region for HS Code 8517, as per the Asia trade data. China, Vietnam, India, South Korea, and Taiwan dominated exports, while Japan, India, Indonesia, and ASEAN countries drove imports. Intra-Asia trade increased as component sourcing and final assembly became more regionally integrated.

North America: Import-Driven Market

North America continued to rely heavily on imports for HS Code 8517 products. Mexico gained importance as a nearshoring destination, particularly for network equipment and assembly operations serving the US market.

Europe: Value-Focused Trade

European trade emphasized high-value and specialized telecom equipment rather than mass-market smartphones. Imports focused on quality, compliance, and security, shaping supplier selection.

Product Segmentation Insights Under HS Code 8517

Smartphones

Smartphones remained the largest segment, representing over half of the HS Code 8517 trade value. However, unit growth was modest in 2024-25, with premiumization driving value growth rather than volume increases.

Network Infrastructure Equipment

Routers, switches, base stations, and data transmission equipment recorded the fastest growth rates. Enterprise digital transformation and telecom investments sustained demand.

Traditional Telephony

Conventional wired and cordless phones continued to decline in trade volume but retained niche demand in enterprise and developing markets.

Pricing and Value Trends

Average unit values under HS Code 8517 varied widely by product type:

• Smartphones showed stable to slightly increasing average prices due to higher memory and 5G features

• Network equipment prices rose moderately, reflecting advanced specifications and cybersecurity requirements

• Price competition intensified in mid-range smartphones, particularly from Asian manufacturers

Currency fluctuations and trade costs also influenced import-export values during 2024-25.

Trade Policy and Regulatory Impact

Trade under HS Code 8517 in 2024-25 was shaped by:

• Tariff adjustments and exemptions for telecom equipment

• Security-related import restrictions in certain markets

• Sustainability and recycling regulations affecting device design

• Localization incentives in emerging manufacturing countries

Companies increasingly align sourcing strategies with regulatory compliance to minimize trade risks.

What HS Code 8517 Trade Data Means for Businesses

For manufacturers, traders, and investors, HS Code 8517 data highlights several actionable insights:

• Supply chain diversification is no longer optional

• Network equipment offers higher growth potential than mature smartphone markets

• Emerging economies present long-term demand opportunities

• Compliance and certification influence market access as much as pricing

Businesses leveraging detailed import-export data can identify new markets, benchmark competitors, and optimize sourcing decisions.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts 

In conclusion, the HS Code 8517 import export data for 2024-25 reflects the evolving structure of the global telecommunications and network devices market. While smartphones remain the dominant product category, network infrastructure equipment is driving incremental growth. China continues to lead exports, but Vietnam and India are rapidly reshaping global trade flows. 

As digital connectivity becomes even more central to economic development, HS Code 8517 will remain one of the most closely watched trade categories in 2025. Companies that understand these data-driven trends will be better positioned to navigate risks, capture opportunities, and stay competitive in the global market. 

We hope you liked our insightful blog report on the HS Code 8517 import-export data & market analysis. For more information on the latest trade data, or to search live import-export data by HS code 8517, visit TradeImeX. Contact us at info@tradeimex.in for customized trade reports & market insights.