Black printing ink market in Croatia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2024, the Croatian black printing ink market saw a significant contraction in physical volume, falling from 842.3 t to 482.0 t. The most pronounced drop occurred in 2023, when market volume fell to 472.0 t, before a slight stabilization in 2024. In value terms, the market showed more resilience, declining from $3.7 million in 2018 to $3.2 million in 2024, with a notable recovery in 2024 from the previous year's low.

The market's evolution was influenced by a structural shift within the printing industry. Starting in 2018, the sector began adapting to digital and green transitions, which involved establishing cross-industry partnerships and training employees in new technologies. The introduction of modern printing machines aimed to increase quality and productivity, while the adoption of deep black as a standard for larger offset printing areas set new benchmarks for print aesthetics. These long-term trends likely contributed to changing consumption patterns for traditional printing inks.

By 2024, several concurrent developments shaped the market landscape. The continued digital transition and a focus on sustainability promoted ecological inks in response to regulatory and consumer demands. Increased use of ink tank printers, which reduce printing costs and nozzle issues, affected ink consumption dynamics. Furthermore, government plans to harmonize national legislation with EU regulations and a clear shift in consumer preferences toward sustainable and personalized printed products introduced new drivers for market development and product innovation.

Production black printing ink in Croatia

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Croatia's black printing ink production was valued at 121 000 US dollars, marking a significant 59.0% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 100.2%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 26.0%. The most notable decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 18.3%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, kg

Croatia's black printing ink production volume has declined for two consecutive years. In 2020, the country produced 12 500 kg, representing a substantial decrease of 10.6% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production dropped by 3.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.3%. Production peaked in 2018 at 16 241 kg, which was a 24.9% increase from the previous year. The sharpest decline was recorded in 2019, when production fell by 13.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Croatia in kind, 2017-2020, kg

Exports black printing ink from Croatia

Exports in kind, t

Croatia's black printing ink exports have increased for two consecutive years. In 2020, exports reached 60.8 tonnes, showing a dramatic 26.0% rise compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 4.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 46.0 tonnes, which represented a 21.0% decline from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Croatia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, and Hungary were the top destinations for Croatia's black printing ink exports in volume terms. Bosnia and Herzegovina accounted for 48.0% of exports, Slovenia for 16.7%, and Hungary for 14.9%. Together, these three countries made up 79.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Croatia's black printing ink export value has risen for two consecutive years. In 2020, exports amounted to 650 000 US dollars, reflecting a moderate 4.9% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, export value grew by 9.7%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 3.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 479 000 US dollars, which was a 19.2% drop from the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 29.5% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Slovenia, Hungary, and Bosnia and Herzegovina consistently led as the top destinations for Croatia's black printing ink exports in value terms. Slovenia accounted for 37.6% of export value, Hungary for 22.3%, and Bosnia and Herzegovina for 16.7%. Combined, these three countries represented 76.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports black printing ink to Croatia

Imports in kind, t

Croatia's black printing ink imports have declined for two consecutive years. In 2020, imports totaled 753.2 tonnes, indicating a gradual decrease of 5.7% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 13.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.7%. Imports peaked in 2018 at 872.1 tonnes, which was a slight 0.3% increase from 2017. The largest decline was in 2019, with an 8.4% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Croatia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, Austria, and Hungary were the leading suppliers of black printing ink to Croatia in volume terms. Germany accounted for 46.3% of imports, Austria for 14.3%, and Hungary for 9.2%. Together, these three countries contributed 69.8% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Croatia's black printing ink import value has declined for three consecutive years. In 2020, imports amounted to 3 697 000 US dollars, showing a modest 5.5% decrease year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, import value dropped by 14.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, the Netherlands, and Hungary remained the primary suppliers of black printing ink to Croatia in value terms. Germany accounted for 30.0% of import value, the Netherlands for 11.2%, and Hungary for 9.5%. Collectively, these three countries formed 50.7% of total import value.

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

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