HS Code:
The category of Printing ink, writing or drawing ink, and other inks, whether or not concentrated or solid (HS Code: 3215) encompasses a wide range of ink products used in printing, writing, drawing, and various industrial applications. This includes inks for offset printing, gravure, flexography, digital printing, ballpoint pens, markers, and specialized inks for packaging and textiles. These products are critical in industries such as publishing, packaging, education, and manufacturing. The global trade of inks is driven by demand for printed materials, packaging solutions, and advancements in printing technologies.
Total Trade Volume
USD 20.5 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database, International Trade Centre (ITC)
USD 3.2 billion
15.6% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 2.8 billion
13.7% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 2.1 billion
10.2% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 1.9 billion
9.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 1.5 billion
7.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
15% (applied by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-Japan EPA or USMCA)
Shift to eco-friendly inks
Increased demand for bio-based and water-based inks due to environmental regulations and consumer preference for sustainable products, driving innovation in the sector.
2021-2023
Growth in digital printing
Rising adoption of digital printing technologies has boosted demand for specialized inks compatible with inkjet and laser printers, particularly in packaging and textiles.
2020-2022
Supply chain disruptions
Post-pandemic supply chain issues and raw material shortages have led to price volatility and delays in ink production and distribution.
2021-2022
The European Union introduced stricter REACH regulations targeting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in printing inks to reduce environmental and health risks.
January 2023
Manufacturers must reformulate products or face restricted access to the EU market, potentially increasing production costs.
Ongoing trade disputes have led to increased tariffs on Chinese ink exports to the US, prompting US buyers to source from alternative markets like Japan and South Korea.
Mid-2022
Shift in supply chains, with potential cost increases for US consumers and opportunities for other exporters.
Major ink manufacturers like DIC Corporation and Flint Group unveiled new lines of bio-based inks to meet growing demand for sustainable printing solutions.
October 2022
Encourages adoption of green technologies in the printing industry, potentially reshaping market dynamics.