Color printing ink (excluding black) market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish color printing ink market opened the period at 63 548 t in 2018, supported by the growth of the inkjet printer segment and a broader shift towards digital and multifunctional printing technologies in business environments. Market volume stabilized at 62 641 t in 2019, while domestic production increased to 67 452 t, aided by the continued adoption of digital printing inks and a move towards more sustainable, water-based formulations. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic reduced overall market volume to 53 456 t, but simultaneously stimulated demand for inks used in product packaging, a sector that saw increased activity due to health and safety concerns, which moderated the overall market contraction.

From 2021 onwards, Spanish exports of color printing ink demonstrated strong growth, rising from 27 755 t in 2020 to 33 221 t in 2024. This expansion was driven by significant investment in digital and water-based ink technologies, the rising dominance of inks for flexible packaging—whose market share increased—and the installation of advanced production equipment like the water-based Nozomi 14000 AQ digital press in 2024. Concurrently, ink imports declined over the same period. The domestic market for inks was further supported by a 5.6% growth in inkjet printer sales in 2023 and a notable 30% surge in sales of tank-based printers, which bolstered demand for economical color inks.

Production color printing ink in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Spain's production of color printing ink (excluding black) was valued at 278.2 million US dollars, showing a slight increase of 2.6% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 12.5%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 4.0%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 0.7%, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2018, at 10.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Spain in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Following two years of growth, Spain's production volume of color printing ink (excluding black) declined in 2020. That year, 64 284 tonnes were produced, down by 4.7% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, overall production increased by 4.6%, averaging 1.5% per year. The peak production volume was reached in 2019 at 67 452 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 5.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Spain in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports color printing ink from Spain

Exports in kind, t

Spain's exports of color printing ink (excluding black) have risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country exported 27 755 tonnes, marking a substantial increase of 13.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 35.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 10.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain's exports of color printing ink (excluding black) were distributed across a wide range of buyers. France accounted for 12.9% of exports in volume, Italy for 10.7%, and Germany for 8.6%, together making up 32.2% of total exports. Many other countries held smaller but still notable shares.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Spain's exports of color printing ink (excluding black) in value terms have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 133.5 million US dollars, reflecting a moderate gain of 4.8% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 18.9%, averaging 6.0% per year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the structure of Spain's export partners in value terms was balanced rather than concentrated. France contributed 11.4% of export value, Portugal 8.7%, and Italy 8.3%, together representing 28.3% of total flows. The remaining 71.7% was distributed among many other countries.

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

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

Imports color printing ink to Spain

Imports in kind, t

Spain's imports of color printing ink (excluding black) have declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 82 100 tonnes, showing a robust decrease of 13.6% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 34.1%, with an average annual decline of 13.0%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy were the key sources for Spain's imports of color printing ink (excluding black) in volume terms. Germany accounted for 43.3% of imports, the Netherlands for 20.7%, and Italy for 10.4%, together making up 74.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Spain's imports of color printing ink (excluding black) in value terms have decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 82.1 million US dollars, reflecting a substantial drop of 22.6% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports declined by 42.1%, with an average annual decrease of 16.7%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy led as the top suppliers of color printing ink (excluding black) to Spain in value terms. Germany accounted for 31.0% of import value, the Netherlands for 16.4%, and Italy for 11.1%, with their combined share reaching 58.5% of total imports.

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

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