China’s 3D Printer Exports Reach 2.278 Million Units and CNY4.62 Billion in H1 2025 — Another Record-Setting Half-Year

In recent years, China’s domestic 3D printing industry has experienced rapid growth in both output and exports. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, China’s 3D printer production increased by 43.1% year-on-year in H1 2025. But how did exports perform?

On July 21, 2025, Panda3dp.com reported that China’s General Administration of Customs has released the latest export data for the first half of the year. Below is a summary of the key findings.

1. Export Volume and Value

Between January and June 2025, China exported 2.278 million 3D printers (excluding components), up 24.5% from 1.829 million units in the same period of 2024. The net increase averages about 500,000 units per year.

The export value in H1 2025 reached CNY4.62 billion, an 8.2% rise from CNY4.27 billion in H1 2024. However, the growth rate has somewhat slowed compared to previous years.

Including the export of 3D printer components worth CNY900 million, the total export value of 3D printing-related products in H1 2025 has reached CNY5.52 billion. Panda3dp.com estimates that the full-year export value could exceed CNY11.5 billion.

2. Export Types of 3D Printers

Among all exported units, desktop 3D printers for plastic materials continue to dominate:

* Plastic/Resin Printers: 2,276,063 units, accounting for 99.9% of total exports

* Average Unit Price: CNY1,889 — a 15% decline from last year’s CNY2,218, possibly due to U.S. tariff increases

Other categories:

* Metal 3D Printers: 715 units — down 83.7% from 4,381 units last year

* Paper/Pulp Printers: 2 units — down almost 100% from 3,426 units last year

* Gypsum/Ceramic Printers: 28 units

* Others: 754 units

*Note:* The dramatic drops in metal and paper-based printers are likely due to customs reclassification rather than market collapse.

The customs authority has also removed the “wood/cork-based 3D printer” category, as it had negligible volume.

Current official export classifications:

* Metal-based additive manufacturing equipment: 715 units

* Plastic/rubber-based: 2,276,063 units

* Gypsum/cement/ceramic-based: 28 units

* Paper/pulp-based: 2 units

* Other types: 754 units

3. Import Situation

In H1 2025, China imported 2,646 3D printers, up 264% from 727 units in H1 2024. Breakdown:

* Metal-based: 8 units

* Plastic/rubber-based: 2,571 units

* Gypsum/cement/ceramic-based: 2 units

* Others: 65 units

*Insight:* Compared to a decade ago when China relied heavily on imported metal 3D printers, domestic capabilities have matured. Thousands of metal printers are now deployed locally each year, with only a few dozen needing importation.

4. Export Destinations

Top export markets in H1 2025:

1. United States — 834,000 units

2. Germany — 485,000 units

3. United Kingdom — 103,000 units

Conclusion

China’s 3D printing industry continues to thrive internationally, particularly in desktop FDM/LCD machines using plastic or rubber. These products have essentially monopolized the entry-level segment abroad. Western countries—especially the U.S. and Europe—remain key markets.

At the current pace, China’s total 3D printer export value in 2025 is highly likely to exceed CNY11.5 billion, marking another year of strong growth and global market penetration.