Global Exported Paintings and Drawings in 2024 - Tendata

In 2024, the worldwide export market for paintings and drawings reached a total value of US$19.7 billion.

This figure reflects a robust 29.1% increase from the $15.3 billion recorded five years earlier in 2020. However, on a year-over-year basis, the global value of exported paintings and drawings fell by 17.5%, down from $23.9 billion in 2023.

Although artistic value is inherently subjective, one clear fact remains: artwork is among the fastest expanding product categories in today’s global trade landscape.

The United States, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and France were the five leading exporters in 2024. Together, these major art hubs accounted for 80.2% of all international sales of exported paintings and drawings, underscoring the highly concentrated nature of this global market.

From a regional perspective, North America generated the highest export value in 2024 at $7.5 billion, representing 38.1% of global sales. Europe followed with 32.5%, while Asia contributed a substantial 27%. Smaller shares originated from Latin America (1.7%, excluding Mexico), Oceania (0.4%, mainly Australia), and Africa (0.3%).

For classification, the primary Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) code used is 970110, which includes oil, watercolor, pastel works, and drawings. Two additional codes—970191 and 970121—were added in 2024, and statistics from all three are reflected in the analysis below.

Leading Countries Exporting Paintings and Drawings (2024)

The following 15 countries recorded the highest export values for paintings and drawings last year:

1. United States – $7.4 billion (37.4%)

2. Hong Kong – $3.7 billion (18.8%)

3. United Kingdom – $2.4 billion (12.3%)

4. Switzerland – $1.3 billion (6.7%)

5. France – $994.1 million (5%)

6. China (mainland) – $691.9 million (3.5%)

7. Germany – $622 million (3.2%)

8. Singapore – $415.3 million (2.1%)

9. Italy – $289.2 million (1.5%)

10. South Korea – $225.4 million (1.1%)

11. Brazil – $213.4 million (1.1%)

12. Belgium – $196.4 million (1%)

13. Canada – $142 million (0.7%)

14. Austria – $121.5 million (0.6%)

15. Spain – $97.6 million (0.5%)

In total, these 15 countries were responsible for 95.5% of all paintings and drawings exported globally in 2024.

Companies Exporting Paintings and Drawings

According to data from Tendata, the international suppliers listed below represent notable companies involved in exporting paintings and drawings:

1. Sherwin Williams de Centroamérica Limitada de Capital – 18.88% ($293.77M)

2. Soluciones Logísticas de Centroamérica S.A. de C.V. – 7.88% ($122.61M)

3. Pintuco Costa Rica PCR S.A. – 6.88% ($106.99M)

4. Sur Química S.A. – 5.23% ($81.35M)

5. Lanco and Harris Manufacturing Corporation Sociedad de Re – 5.16% ($80.35M)

6. Grupo Solid Guatemala S.A. – 4.9% ($76.19M)

7. Lanco y Harris Manufacturing Corporation Sociedad de Re – 3.75% ($58.31M)

8. PT Semangat Rajawali Samudra – 2.19% ($34.15M)

9. Sherwin Williams de Centroamérica Limitada de Capital V – 1.74% ($27.03M)

10. Công Ty TNHH Văn Hóa Phẩm Phượng Hoàng Việt Nam – 1.73% ($26.86M)