Writing and drawing ink trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in writing and drawing ink was worth $6.40 billion in 2024, about 184.2 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 116% since 2017, and up 15% on 2023.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
World trade by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $6.40B | 184.2K t |
| 2023 | $5.54B | 178.5K t |
| 2022 | $5.29B | 184.6K t |
| 2021 | $5.96B | 175.6K t |
| 2020 | $5.68B | 158.1K t |
| 2019 | $5.24B | 155.5K t |
| 2018 | $5.57B | 153.6K t |
| 2017 | $2.96B | 123.4K t |
Top writing and drawing ink exporting countries
Exports are led by India (16%), Germany (14%) and China (12%). 164 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 42%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $1.03B | 16% |
| Germany | $886.3M | 14% |
| China | $774.4M | 12% |
| Japan | $731.3M | 11% |
| Malaysia | $506.1M | 7.9% |
| Netherlands | $466.4M | 7.3% |
| United Kingdom | $365.6M | 5.7% |
| Singapore | $254.1M | 4% |
| Indonesia | $218.6M | 3.4% |
| France | $168.5M | 2.6% |
| United States | $165.3M | 2.6% |
| Philippines | $151.9M | 2.4% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The United Arab Emirates is the biggest buyer with 17% of world imports, ahead of Germany and the Netherlands. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 42% across 220 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | $1.06B | 17% |
| Germany | $967.8M | 15% |
| Netherlands | $681.6M | 11% |
| France | $612.7M | 9.6% |
| United Kingdom | $261.1M | 4.1% |
| Italy | $259.1M | 4.1% |
| Czech Republic | $243.7M | 3.8% |
| China | $195.9M | 3.1% |
| Singapore | $149.4M | 2.3% |
| United States | $147.5M | 2.3% |
| Spain | $127.7M | 2% |
| Austria | $101.8M | 1.6% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $34.72 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, India averaged $433.92 per kg and China $12.54 per kg, so grade and origin matter.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments worldwide. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Related product types
Who is behind these numbers in this market?
The shipment records behind Writing and drawing ink (HS 3215.90) importers and exporters, worldwide: companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 3215.90: Ink: writing, drawing and other inks, n.e.c. in heading no. 3215, whether or not concentrated or solid. HS 3215 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most writing and drawing ink?
India exported $1.03 billion in 2024, 16% of the world total, followed by Germany (14%) and China (12%). In all, 164 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most writing and drawing ink?
The United Arab Emirates imported $1.06 billion in 2024, 17% of world imports, ahead of Germany (15%) and the Netherlands (11%). The top three importers together take 42%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in writing and drawing ink?
It was worth $6.40 billion in 2024, about 184.2 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 116% since 2017. 2024 was the highest year since 2017. 164 countries reported exports and 220 reported imports.
What is the average price of writing and drawing ink per kg?
The world average declared value was about $34.72 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, India averaged $433.92 per kg and China $12.54 per kg, so grade and origin matter. Read it as a benchmark: it blends all grades, origins and contract terms.
What is the HS code for writing and drawing ink?
The HS code for writing and drawing ink is subheading 3215.90, in chapter 32 (tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments and other colouring matter; paints, varnishes; putty, other mastics; inks). The first six digits are the same in every country; national tariffs add more. The full list of codes is on the HS 3215 page.
How can I find writing and drawing ink buyers and suppliers?
Company names sit below these country totals: EximDataX reads the customs records shipment by shipment, with dates and values. We can show writing and drawing ink buyers and suppliers on a short call.
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