China’s 3D Printer Exports Expected to Surpass CNY 10 Billion in 2025 — 3.49 Million Units Shipped in the First Three Quarters

In recent years, China’s domestically produced 3D printers have maintained rapid growth in both output and export volume. According to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics, the country’s 3D printer production rose 40.5% year-on-year in the first three quarters of 2025. The majority of these printers were exported, prompting a closer look at this year’s export performance.

1. Export Volume and Value

As of October 22, 2025, data from the General Administration of Customs showed that China exported 3.491 million 3D printers (excluding components) in the first three quarters of 2025 — already approaching the 3.778 million units exported in all of 2024.

Historically, Q4 is the peak season for 3D printer exports. Based on current trends, Panda3dp.com estimates that China’s total 3D printer exports in 2025 will reach around 5 million units, representing a 32% year-on-year increase.

From January to September 2025, China’s 3D printer exports (excluding parts) reached a total value of CNY 7.514 billion, nearly matching the CNY 8.163 billion recorded in 2024. Panda3dp.com projects that the full-year export value will exceed CNY 10 billion for the first time, hitting approximately CNY 10.7 billion.

This marks a major milestone for China’s 3D printing industry, with desktop 3D printer manufacturers emerging as the primary beneficiaries of global market demand. Meanwhile, industrial 3D printer manufacturers are also intensifying their overseas expansion, with many set to exhibit at Formnext 2025 (November 18, Germany) — where over 100 Chinese 3D printing companies will participate.

Alongside the surge in printer exports, the 3D printer parts market has also grown rapidly, becoming an increasingly important export segment. Between January and September 2025, China exported 4,368 tons of 3D printer components, valued at CNY 1.312 billion.

If combined, China’s total export value for 3D printing equipment and components reached CNY 8.826 billion in the first three quarters, with components accounting for about 15% of total export value.

2. Export Breakdown by Printer Type

Among the 3D printers exported from January to September 2025, plastic-based desktop printers continued to dominate, accounting for 3.488 million units (99.9%), with an average unit price of CNY 1,988.

By material category:

· Metal additive manufacturing machines: 1,212 units

· Plastic/rubber-based machines: 3,488,835 units

· Gypsum, cement, or ceramic-based machines: 36 units

· Paper or pulp-based machines: 3 units

· Other additive manufacturing machines: 1,117 units

The “wood/cork additive manufacturing” category has been officially removed from customs classifications, as this type of printer has virtually disappeared from the market. Panda3dp.com suggests that the “paper/pulp additive manufacturing” category should also be removed due to negligible demand.

3. Import Situation

During the same period (January–September 2025), China imported only 2,941 3D printers. Among these:

· Metal-based additive manufacturing machines: 11 units

· Plastic/rubber-based machines: 2,817 units

· Gypsum, cement, or ceramic-based machines: 2 units

· Other additive manufacturing machines: 111 units

A decade ago, metal 3D printers dominated China’s import list. Today, however, domestic manufacturers have achieved full self-sufficiency, with annual domestic installations reaching several thousand units. Only 11 metal 3D printers were imported in 2025 — clear evidence that foreign manufacturers are facing increasing pressure in the Chinese market.

Conclusion

The data shows that China’s domestically produced 3D printers continue to experience strong export growth, particularly in the plastic and rubber (desktop) segment, where Chinese brands now hold a dominant global market share.

By the end of 2025, China’s 3D printer export value (excluding parts) is expected to surpass CNY 10 billion, and when including parts, the total 3D printing export value may exceed CNY 11.5 billion — a new historic record for the industry.