Printing inks market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the printing inks market volume in Germany declined from 270 thousand tons to 233 thousand tons. This reduction coincided with the digitalization of media, which shifted demand toward digital printing, and growing attention to environmentally friendly products such as climate-neutral printing and recycled materials.

Between 2021 and 2023, the market faced sharp increases in raw material prices, disruptions in global supply chains, and production bottlenecks, leading to a drop in printing ink sales of 4-5% in 2021 and 13% in 2023. The introduction of the European Printing Ink Regulation (GIO) in 2022 increased pressure on manufacturers, forcing them to develop compliant products like UV- and LED-UV-curable inks. Despite inflationary revenue growth, the market volume in physical terms fell to 179 thousand tons in 2023.

By 2024, the market volume stabilized at 177 thousand tons, continuing the trend toward sustainability with a focus on recyclable inks and energy-curing technologies for flexible packaging.

Production printing inks in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's printing ink production has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 382 million US dollars, marking an 8.6% decrease compared to 2019. Production peaked in 2018 at 1 597 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 1.5% recorded that year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 12.1%, which translates to an average annual decline of 4.2%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Germany's printing ink production volume has dropped for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 375.7 thousand tonnes, down 13.8% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 22.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -8.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports printing inks from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Germany's printing ink exports have fallen for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 199.3 thousand tonnes, showing a significant year-over-year decline of 14.5%. Between 2017 and 2020, exports dropped by 27.9%, averaging an annual decrease of 10.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's printing ink exports were distributed across a wide range of buyers. Italy accounted for 10.5% of exports in volume, France for 10.3%, and Poland for 9.3%, with these three countries together making up only 30.0% of total exports. Many other countries held smaller but notable shares.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Germany's cross-border shipments of printing inks have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 933 million US dollars, reflecting a strong 10.3% decrease compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 65.2%, with an average annual decline of 29.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany's printing ink exports in value terms were spread across numerous countries. France contributed 10.7% of export value, the Netherlands 10.3%, and the United Kingdom 8.9%, with these three together accounting for just 29.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports printing inks to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Germany's printing ink imports have decreased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports stood at 56.4 thousand tonnes, down 8.0% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 27.6%, averaging an annual decline of 10.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main sources for Germany's printing ink imports in volume were the Netherlands, with 33.8% of imports, Switzerland with 11.3%, and Belgium with 8.3%. Together, these three countries accounted for 53.5% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 451 million US dollars, after peaking in 2017, with a fourfold difference between these years. In 2020, imports rose to 472 million US dollars, up 4.6% from the prior year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 73.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany's printing ink imports in value terms came from a diverse set of partners. China accounted for 19.1% of import value, Switzerland for 13.6%, and the Netherlands for 12.7%, with these three together making up only 45.3% of total flows. The remaining 54.7% was sourced from many other countries.

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

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