The Trend of 3D Printer Sales Increase in 2024-Data from China

Introduce

Chinese 3D printer manufacturers hold a significant share of the global market. Out of the top 58 brands based on Google search volume, 30 are Chinese companies. Four of the top five 3D printer companies are from China: Bambu Lab, Creality, Anycubic, and Elegoo. Therefore, we can estimate global 3D printer sales by counting the number of 3D printers exported from China.

Global 3D printer sales in 2024

In the first half of 2024, China's 3D printing industry experienced significant growth in both unit exports and export value, according to newly released data. The period from January to June 2024 saw the export of 1.829 million domestically produced 3D printers (excluding components), marking a 40.3% increase from the 1.304 million units exported in the first half of 2023. Even more striking was the export value, which surged by 77.2%, reaching 610 million dollar, compared to 344.3 million dollar during the same period in 2023.

This remarkable increase signals both the expanding global demand for 3D printing technology and the strengthening position of Chinese manufacturers in the international market. The robust export performance also highlights China’s growing dominance, especially in the entry-level 3D printer segment.

Exports make up about 90% of sales for China's 3D printer manufacturers, totaling approximately 2.032 million units. Outside of Chinese companies, the top seller was Prusa, which shipped over 120,000 printers globally in one year. The combined sales of other 3D printer manufacturers outside of China are roughly equal to Prusa's sales. Therefore, the global sales of 3D printers in the first half of 2024 are estimated to be around 2.152 million units. Global 3D printer sales could exceed 4.5 million units for the full year 2024.

Export Trends and Market Impact

Over the past three years, the export of 3D printers from China has shown steady growth. Factoring in the export value of 3D printer components, the total export value of 3D printer-related products in the first half of 2024 reached 686 million dollar. Analysts, such as Antarctic Bear, forecast that the total export value for the year could exceed 1429 million dollar—a significant milestone for China's 3D printing industry.

This sustained growth not only reflects the increasing adoption of 3D printing technology worldwide but also the competitiveness of Chinese manufacturers in delivering affordable, entry-level 3D printers.

Types of Exported Equipment: Dominance of Desktop 3D Printers

A deeper look into the types of exported equipment reveals that desktop 3D printers, particularly those FDM 3D printers, continue to dominate the export market. Of the total 1.829 million exported units, a staggering 1.82 million were desktop printers, accounting for 99.5% of exports. These devices come with an average unit price of 317 dollar, showcasing their affordability and appeal to hobbyists, small businesses, and educational institutions.

China’s entry-level 3D printers are highly competitive in the global market. A report from CONTEXT states that Chinese manufacturers currently supply about 94% of the global shipments for entry-level 3D printers. This market dominance is a testament to China’s ability to scale production efficiently while maintaining cost-effectiveness, further cementing its position as a leader in the industry.

Top Export Destinations: The U.S. Leads the Pack

The global reach of Chinese 3D printer exports is evident, with the United States remaining the top destination. In the first half of 2024, China exported 680,000 3D printers to the U.S., representing 37.2% of total exports. The export value for these units amounted to 247.14 million dollar, accounting for 40.5% of total export value.

Germany was the second-largest market, with 360,000 units exported, making up 19.7% of the total and generating 147.14 million dollar in export value (24.1%). Other key markets included the Netherlands, Canada, the UK, Brazil, Australia, South Korea, Japan, Russia, and Austria.

This distribution reflects the high demand for entry-level 3D printers across both developed and emerging markets. While the U.S. remains the largest market, Germany’s growing share suggests increasing interest in 3D printing technology across Europe, driven by industries looking to integrate additive manufacturing into their production processes.

Regional Manufacturing Hubs: Guangdong Leads the Way

Geographically, the bulk of China’s 3D printer exports originates from a few key provinces, with Guangdong leading the way. In the first half of 2024, Guangdong accounted for 1.52 million exported units, representing 83.1% of total exports, and an export value of 534.28 million dollar, or 87.6% of the total. This dominance is largely due to the presence of major manufacturers like Creality, Anycubic, Bambu Lab, and Elegoo all of which are headquartered in Shenzhen.

Zhejiang Province ranked second, exporting 128,000 units, or 7% of total exports, with an export value of 25.714 million dollar (4.2%). The presence of key players like Flashforge Technology and Qidi Technology in this region has also contributed to Zhejiang’s growing role in the 3D printing export landscape.

These manufacturing hubs, particularly in Guangdong, have become essential to China’s 3D printing export strategy. The concentration of production in these regions allows for greater efficiency in terms of supply chain management, innovation, and logistics.

The Future of China's 3D Printing Exports

The current export data makes it clear that China’s 3D printing industry is set to break new ground in 2024. The potential to surpass 1429 million dollar in total export value would mark a significant achievement for the industry, further establishing China as a key player in the global 3D printing market.

With desktop 3D printers using plastic materials still leading the way, and Chinese manufacturers dominating the entry-level segment, the future of China’s 3D printing exports looks promising. Europe and the U.S. are expected to remain the primary markets for Chinese 3D printers, but opportunities are also emerging in other regions as industries increasingly adopt additive manufacturing technologies.

As global demand for 3D printing continues to rise, China's ability to supply cost-effective, entry-level machines will be instrumental in shaping the future of the market. Furthermore, the industry’s rapid growth highlights China's strategic advantage in manufacturing and exporting advanced technological products at scale.

Conclusion

China's 3D printing industry continues to solidify its position as a global powerhouse, as reflected in the remarkable export growth during the first half of 2024. With 1.829 million units shipped—a 40.3% increase compared to the previous year—and a 77.2% surge in export value, Chinese manufacturers like Bambu Lab, Creality, Anycubic, and Elegoo are leading the charge. These companies now dominate the global 3D printer market, especially in the entry-level segment, which accounts for nearly 99.5% of exported units.

Global sales of 3D printers in the first half of 2024 are estimated to be around 2.152 million units, with the potential to exceed 4.5 million units by the end of the year.