Color printing ink (excluding black) market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018, the Swedish color printing ink market began adapting to new environmental regulations, such as proposed rules against hazardous substances in construction products and a marked shift towards water-based paints. This trend continued with major players like Marabu Scandinavia showcasing eco-friendly, high-quality inks at industry events. Production volumes rose from 13.6 thousand t in 2020 to 16.1 thousand t in 2022, supported by the 2022 implementation of the EU VOC directive, which required ink reformulation to limit volatile organic compounds and spurred manufacturing adjustments.

The market contracted sharply in 2023 when studies revealing large microplastic emissions from paint and increased awareness of allergenic components in inks pressured demand and production. Output fell to 11.1 thousand t and market size dropped to 7.3 thousand t. In 2024, further regulatory tightening—including bans on specific pigments and new packaging rules—alongside strong consumer focus on sustainability, contributed to a slight market recovery to 7.4 thousand t, even as production declined to 7.1 thousand t.

Production color printing ink in Sweden

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

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

Exports color printing ink from Sweden

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Sweden's cross-border shipments of color printing ink (excluding black) amounted to 9 740 tons, marking a significant decline of 21.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 14.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.1%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 12 428 tons, which also saw the largest annual increase of 25.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Sweden exported color printing ink (excluding black) to numerous countries. Even the top three destinations—Germany, Norway, and Finland—collectively accounted for only 33.8% of total exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Sweden's exports of color printing ink (excluding black) declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export value totaled 66 611 thousand US dollars, down 7.0% year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 24.8%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 9.0%.

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

During 2017–2020, Sweden supplied color printing ink (excluding black) to many different markets. The largest destinations in value terms—Germany, Denmark, and Poland—together represented just 27.7% of total exports.

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

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

Imports color printing ink to Sweden

Imports in kind, t

The market showed notable volatility during these years. Import volumes reached their lowest point in 2018 at 4 278 tons, with the largest annual decline of 11.7% recorded that year. In 2019, imports surged by 84.8%, the largest increase in the period. By 2020, imports climbed to 8 443 tons, a 6.8% increase year-on-year and the highest volume, representing a two-fold shift from the 2018 minimum.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland were the leading suppliers of color printing ink (excluding black) to Sweden in volume terms. Germany accounted for 50.7% of imports, followed by the Netherlands at 15.1% and Finland at 12.3%. Together, these three countries made up 78.2% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Sweden's imports of color printing ink (excluding black) declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, import value totaled 33 561 thousand US dollars, showing a slight decrease of 1.5% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 40.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 16.0%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland were the key players in Sweden's imports of color printing ink (excluding black) in value terms. The Netherlands held 24.5% of imports, Germany 23.4%, and Switzerland 13.1%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 61.0% of total import flows.

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

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