Printing, writing and drawing inks market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the German market for printing, writing and drawing inks stood at 274.2 thousand tons. Trends such as increasing digitalization and shifts in media consumption were already placing pressure on the printing industry, demanding shorter production times and workflow automation. By 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp drop in demand, reducing the market volume to 237.4 thousand tons.

After a slight recovery in 2021, the decline continued as digitalization and altered consumer preferences persistently reduced demand for printed products. The market volume fell to 215.3 thousand tons in 2022 and further to 182.8 thousand tons in 2023. During this period, prices for printing inks rose by approximately 32% compared to 2020, affecting the market's value.

In 2024, the market stabilized at 181.2 thousand tons despite rising costs for cellulose and wood pulp. The industry adapted by focusing on flexible business models and expanding into growth segments such as packaging and label printing, which had shown steady expansion.

Production printing, writing and drawing inks in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of printing, writing, and drawing inks declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 1 423 million US dollars, a 5.6% decrease from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 12.7%, with an average annual decline of 4.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 659 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 1.8%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Germany produced 381.3 thousand tonnes of printing, writing, and drawing inks, a 6.3% drop compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 23.1%, translating to an average annual decline of 8.4%.

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

Exports printing, writing and drawing inks from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Germany's exports of printing, writing, and drawing inks fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 214.9 thousand tonnes, a 14.7% decline from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports dropped by 24.9%, with an average annual decrease of 9.1%.

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

An analysis of export volumes from 2017 to 2020 reveals a wide distribution across many markets. Italy accounted for 10.3% of exports, France for 10.1%, and Poland for 9.0%, together making up 29.4% of total flows. The remaining 70.6% was spread among numerous other partners.

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 export value of printing, writing, and drawing inks declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 2 507 million US dollars, a moderate 8.3% decrease from the previous year. Over the period 2017-2020, exports fell by 15.6%, with an average annual decline of 5.5%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 2 981 million US dollars, which also saw a slight increase of 0.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with an 8.3% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical structure of export values was highly diversified. The Netherlands accounted for 16.6% of exports, France for 12.0%, and the United Kingdom for 11.3%, together representing 39.9% of total flows. The remaining 60.1% was distributed among many smaller partner countries.

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, writing and drawing inks to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Germany's imports of printing, writing, and drawing inks decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 71.0 thousand tonnes, down 7.4% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 14.7%, with an average annual decline of 5.2%.

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

The country composition of import volumes from 2017 to 2020 was dispersed. The Netherlands accounted for 29.3% of imports, Switzerland for 9.8%, and Belgium for 7.1%, together forming 46.1% of total flows. The remaining 53.9% was split among a wide range of other destinations.

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

In 2020, Germany's import value of printing, writing, and drawing inks amounted to 2 215 million US dollars, a 9.2% increase compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 4.6%, with an average annual growth of 1.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 2 028 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 5.7%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, three key markets dominated import values: China, Singapore, and the Netherlands. Together, they accounted for 53.3% of total flows.

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

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