Printing inks market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the Portuguese printing inks market saw fluctuating volumes, starting at 8,132 t. The industry was characterized by high concentration, with the five largest companies holding 53% of the market and the total number of firms declining to 104. After volume grew to 8,869 t in 2019, it contracted to 7,668 t in 2020. A recovery to 7,931 t followed in 2021, supported by above-average performance in the construction and industrial segments, which exceeded pre-pandemic 2019 levels.

Market volume then declined to 6,994 t in 2022, corresponding to reports of a slight decrease in domestic and export sales. By 2023, volume fell further to 5,788 t. During this period, the industry association emphasized innovation and regulation, while manufacturers and importers maintained a dominant 85% share of sales.

In subsequent years, the focus shifted toward technological change and sustainability. The Portuguese company CIN ranked 10th among Europe's largest paint and coatings producers in 2024. By 2025, a revolution in personalized printing, driven by new technologies and environmental concerns—including stricter regulations on PFAS and solvents—alongside events like Portugal Print 2025, pointed to a transition toward digital inks and low-VOC solutions.

Production printing inks in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Portugal's printing inks production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output was valued at 6 457 thousand US dollars, marking a significant drop of 16.7% from the previous year. The highest production value was recorded in 2019 at 9 463 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 46.3%. The most substantial decline occurred in 2020, with an 18.1% decrease.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Production volumes varied significantly, with a 2-fold difference between the peak in 2019 at 2 125 tonnes and the low in 2021 at 1 077 tonnes. In 2021, Portugal produced 1 077 tonnes of printing inks, representing a sharp decrease of 33.2% compared to 2020. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, with an 85.8% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports printing inks from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2020 at 244 tonnes and peaked in 2021 at 440 tonnes, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 1.8 times. In 2021, Portugal exported 440 tonnes of printing inks, reflecting a substantial increase of 80.6% compared to 2020. The largest decline was recorded in 2020, with a 24.4% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, Angola, and Cabo Verde were the top buyers of printing inks from Portugal. Spain accounted for 58.7% of exports in kind, Angola for 19.2%, and Cabo Verde for 4.1%. Together, these three countries represented 82.0% of Portugal's total printing inks exports in kind.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year reduction, Portugal's cross-border shipments of printing inks increased. In 2021, exports stood at 11 832 thousand US dollars, equivalent to an advance of 37.9% compared to 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 8 580 thousand US dollars. Over the period 2018-2021, exports decreased by 26.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -9.7%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 36.7% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, Poland, and Angola were the main markets for Portugal's printing inks exports in value terms. Spain accounted for 51.4% of exports, while Poland and Angola each represented 10.0%. Together, these three countries accounted for 71.3% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021

Imports printing inks to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decrease, Portugal's printing inks imports increased. In 2021, imports amounted to 7 295 tonnes, representing a strong rise of 15.8% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 6 300 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a 10.9% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Spain, Germany, and France were the key sources for Portugal's printing inks imports in kind. Spain accounted for 43.3% of imports, Germany for 34.1%, and France for 5.8%. Together, these three countries represented 83.2% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Portugal's volume of printing inks imports increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports totalled 98 906 thousand US dollars, reflecting a robust uptick of 12.8% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 86 277 thousand US dollars. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 6.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.1%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 7.2% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands formed the main group of sources for Portugal's printing inks imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 36.1% of imports, Spain for 31.1%, and the Netherlands for 16.1%. Together, these three countries represented 83.4% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021