Ballpoint pens market in Poland

Earlier Report Observations

The ballpoint pen market in Poland contracted sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic. Market volume dropped from 212.8 million units in 2018 to 117.5 million units in 2020, with the steepest decline occurring in 2020. This was driven by the pandemic's impact on the printing sector, which includes pen manufacturers. COVID-19 led to a reduction in the number of printing firms, with over 1,000 companies exiting the market in 2020, and a 4.9% decrease in the sector's sold production value. These factors constrained production and availability, contributing to the market's contraction.

In the following years, trade flows showed signs of adjustment. Imports, which had fallen to 224.5 million units in 2020, rebounded to 361.1 million units by 2022, indicating renewed market activity. Exports demonstrated consistent growth, rising from 123.4 million units in 2020 to 169.1 million units in 2024. This export expansion was supported by the high quality of Polish products and relatively low labor costs, which boosted foreign demand, particularly from Germany. However, the printing sector continued to face challenges, including a persistent decline in the number of firms and widespread shortages of qualified personnel, which may have limited production capacity.

Production ballpoint pens in Poland

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Poland's ballpoint pen production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 4 055 K $ US, marking a 20.2% reduction compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 29.5%, which translates to an annualized rate of 11.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Poland in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Poland's ballpoint pen production volume fell for the third year in a row. In 2020, 16 466 K units were produced, representing a 20.0% contraction from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production dropped by 41%, averaging an annualized decline of 16.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Poland in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Exports ballpoint pens from Poland

Exports in kind, M unit

Following two years of growth, Poland's ballpoint pen exports declined. In 2020, exports totaled 123.4 M units, showing a sharp decrease of 25.4% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 8.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -3.1%. The peak was in 2019 at 165.5 M units, with the largest increase of 12.4% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Poland in kind, 2017-2020, M unit

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, the Netherlands, and France were the main markets for Poland's ballpoint pen exports in volume terms. Germany accounted for 28.0% of exports, the Netherlands for 20.1%, and France for 8.9%. Together, these three countries represented 57.0% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Poland in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of increase, Poland's ballpoint pen export value declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 48 082 K $ US, reflecting a 14.7% contraction year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 16.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 56 349 K $ US, with the largest increase of 20.5% in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Poland in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During 2017-2020, Germany, the Netherlands, and France remained the primary buyers of Polish ballpoint pens in value terms. Germany held 33.5% of exports, the Netherlands 16.5%, and France 8.5%. Collectively, they accounted for 58.6% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Poland in value, 2017-2020

Imports ballpoint pens to Poland

Imports in kind, M unit

Poland's ballpoint pen imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 224.5 M units, indicating a steep drop of 30.8% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 21%, averaging an annualized decline of 7.6%. The maximum volume was in 2018 at 338.8 M units, with the largest increase of 19.2% also in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Poland in kind, 2017-2020, M unit

From 2017 to 2020, China, Germany, and the Netherlands were the key suppliers of ballpoint pens to Poland in volume terms. China dominated with 69.9% of imports, followed by Germany at 9.0% and the Netherlands at 5.7%. Together, these three sources made up 84.7% of total import volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Poland in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Following two years of growth, Poland's ballpoint pen import value fell. In 2020, imports amounted to 46 431 K $ US, corresponding to a 28.0% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 13.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -4.7%. The peak value was in 2019 at 64 458 K $ US, and the largest increase of 16.9% occurred in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Poland in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2017-2020, China, Germany, and France were the main sources for Poland's ballpoint pen imports in value terms. China accounted for 51.8% of imports, Germany for 13.0%, and France for 11.0%. Combined, these three countries represented 75.8% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Poland in value, 2017-2020