Printing inks market in Poland

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Polish printing inks market expanded in volume from 44.7 thousand tons to 49 thousand tons, while production rose from 14.4 thousand tons to 20.2 thousand tons. This growth was supported by an improving market climate for paints and coatings, which boosted demand for premium and mid-priced products. Concurrently, price increases for flexographic solvent-based inks, due to reduced global production capacity and high costs for raw materials like solvents and pigments, contributed to the market's rising value, which reached 226.7 million US dollars by 2020.

Following 2020, import volumes declined from 38.5 thousand tons in 2020 to 31.4 thousand tons in 2023, a trend partly influenced by high raw material prices that elevated production and import costs. The market saw a significant development in 2024 with the opening of a new Hubergroup factory in Poland, equipped with modern production lines and a laboratory to support printing houses. This event coincided with a rebound in export volumes to 11.1 thousand tons in 2024.

Throughout the period, the industry adapted to European standards through the Polish Association of Paint and Glue Producers' membership in CEPE and FEICA. The market also saw the introduction of more environmentally friendly solutions and increased automation in production processes, which shaped demand and quality requirements for printing inks.

Production printing inks in Poland

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Poland's printing inks production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 82 199 thousand US dollars, showing an uptick of 9.2% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 57 220 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year of 6.8%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 31.5%. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 33.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 10.2%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Poland's printing inks production volume has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 20 167 tonnes were produced, up by 13.7% relative to the prior year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 14 402 tonnes, with the largest decline that year of 11.1%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 23.1%. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 24.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.6%.

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

Exports printing inks from Poland

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year increase, cross-border shipments of printing inks from Poland declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 9 627 tonnes, marking a fall of 6.5% relative to the prior year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 10 300 tonnes, with the largest increase that year of 10.8%. Over the period 2017-2020, exports increased by 7.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.3%.

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

In 2017–2020, the portfolio of buyers for printing inks from Poland was broad. Russia accounted for 23.7% of exports in kind, Czechia for 11.7%, and Ukraine for 10.6%, together contributing only 46.1% of total exports. Many other countries had smaller but non-negligible shares.

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, M $ US

Printing inks exports from Poland have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 59.1 million US dollars, marking a moderate rise of 7.8% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 36.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 11.0%.

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

Over 2017–2020, exports in value terms of printing inks from Poland were widely dispersed across partner countries. Russia represented 21.9% of exports in value terms, Ukraine 11.4%, and Czechia 10.7%, together accounting for only 44.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports printing inks to Poland

Imports in kind, t

Printing inks deliveries to Poland have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 38 477 tonnes, which is 2.3% less compared with 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, imports decreased by 11.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.9%.

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

In 2017–2020, three main markets — Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy — together absorbed 69.0% of total imports in kind of printing inks to Poland.

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, M $ US

In 2020, Poland imported 203.5 million US dollars of printing inks, showing a modest increase of 3.1% versus the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 197.5 million US dollars, with the largest decline that year of 2.4%.

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

In 2017–2020, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy were the main markets for imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 34.0% of imports, Switzerland for 11.3%, and Italy for 9.0%, together representing 54.2% of total flows.

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

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