Pens, Stylos And Similar Stationery Market

The article highlights the declining trend in demand for pens, stylos, and similar stationery worldwide, with forecasts indicating a decrease in market volume and value from 2022 to 2030. Consumption and production patterns, key consuming and producing countries, as well as import and export trends are analyzed in detail. The report provides insights on the most significant products, market values, and growth rates in the global pens and stationery market.

Market Forecast

Depressed by shrinking demand for pens, stylos and similar stationery worldwide, the market is expected to continue its downward consumption trend over the next eight-year period. The performance of the market is forecast to contract with an anticipated CAGR of -2.7% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to depress the market volume to 45B units by the end of 2030.

In value terms, the market is forecast to contract with an anticipated CAGR of -1.9% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market value to $22.1B (in nominal prices) by the end of 2030.

Consumption

World Consumption of Pens, Stylos And Similar Stationery

In 2022, consumption of pens, stylos and similar stationery was finally on the rise to reach 56B units for the first time since 2019, thus ending a two-year declining trend. Over the period under review, consumption, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 when the consumption volume increased by 5.5%. As a result, consumption attained the peak volume of 60B units. From 2020 to 2022, the growth of the global consumption failed to regain momentum.

The revenue of the market for pens, stylos and similar stationery worldwide reduced to $25.8B in 2022, stabilizing at the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). In general, consumption, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the market value increased by 4% against the previous year. Global consumption peaked at $27.8B in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Consumption By Country

The countries with the highest volumes of consumption in 2022 were Mexico (8.1B units), the United States (5.1B units) and China (3.5B units), with a combined 30% share of global consumption. Russia, Indonesia, Italy, India, Egypt, Pakistan, Germany, Brazil, Vietnam and the UK lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 37%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of consumption, amongst the main consuming countries, was attained by Egypt (with a CAGR of +14.7%), while consumption for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest pens, stylos and similar stationery markets worldwide were the United States ($5B), China ($2.7B) and Germany ($2B), together comprising 38% of the global market. Indonesia, India, the UK, Mexico, Italy, Egypt, Russia, Vietnam, Pakistan and Brazil lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 15%.

Among the main consuming countries, the UK, with a CAGR of +2.5%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to market size over the period under review, while market for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

The countries with the highest levels of pens, stylos and similar stationery per capita consumption in 2022 were Mexico (61 units per person), Italy (48 units per person) and Russia (22 units per person).

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of consumption, amongst the main consuming countries, was attained by Egypt (with a CAGR of +12.5%), while consumption for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Consumption By Type

The products with the highest volumes of consumption in 2022 were porous-tipped pens and markers (40B units), ball-point pens (23B units) and refills for ball-point pens (21B units), with a combined 77% share of global consumption.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of consumption, amongst the key consumed products, was attained by refills for ball-point pens (with a CAGR of +5.7%), while consumption for the other products experienced a decline in the consumption figures.

In value terms, pen or pencil sets ($5,605.3B) led the market, alone. The second position in the ranking was taken by refills for ball-point pens ($192.8B). It was followed by indian ink drawing pens, fountain pens and stylograph pens.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of the value of pen or pencil sets market was relatively modest. With regard to the other consumed products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: refills for ball-point pens (+0.3% per year) and indian ink drawing pens, fountain pens and stylograph pens (-10.0% per year).

Production

World Production of Pens, Stylos And Similar Stationery

In 2022, production of pens, stylos and similar stationery increased by 10% to 73B units, rising for the second year in a row after two years of decline. The total output volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations in certain years. As a result, production reached the peak volume and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, pens, stylos and similar stationery production shrank to $23B in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, recorded a mild decrease. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when the production volume increased by 6.7%. Global production peaked at $25.6B in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

Production By Country

The countries with the highest volumes of production in 2022 were China (28B units), Japan (16B units) and India (8.3B units), with a combined 73% share of global production. Italy, Germany, Thailand, Indonesia, Pakistan and Mexico lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 13%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of production, amongst the key producing countries, was attained by Italy (with a CAGR of +7.4%), while production for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Production By Type

The products with the highest volumes of production in 2022 were porous-tipped pens and markers (46B units), ball-point pens (27B units) and refills for ball-point pens (21B units), together comprising 79% of global production.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for refills for ball-point pens (with a CAGR of +5.8%), while production for the other products experienced a decline in the production figures.

In value terms, pen or pencil sets ($5,469B) led the market, alone. The second position in the ranking was held by refills for ball-point pens ($181.6B). It was followed by indian ink drawing pens, fountain pens and stylograph pens.

For pen or pencil sets, production remained relatively stable over the period from 2012-2022. For the other products, the average annual rates were as follows: refills for ball-point pens (+0.2% per year) and indian ink drawing pens, fountain pens and stylograph pens (-10.2% per year).

Imports

World Imports of Pens, Stylos And Similar Stationery

In 2022, global pens, stylos and similar stationery imports surged to 55B units, with an increase of 19% compared with 2021. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.9% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when imports increased by 20%. Global imports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, pens, stylos and similar stationery imports reached $6.6B in 2022. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +1.7% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 17% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global imports hit record highs in 2022 and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports By Country

Mexico (8.7B units) and the United States (8.5B units) represented roughly 31% of total imports in 2022. Russia (3B units) ranks next in terms of the total imports with a 5.4% share, followed by India (5.2%). The following importers - Indonesia (1.6B units), Egypt (1.6B units), Germany (1.5B units), Thailand (1.4B units), Japan (1.3B units), Vietnam (1.1B units), Malaysia (1.1B units), China (1.1B units) and the UK (0.9B units) - together made up 21% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Egypt (with a CAGR of +22.2%), while purchases for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the United States ($1.1B) constitutes the largest market for imported pens, stylos and similar stationery worldwide, comprising 17% of global imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Germany ($439M), with a 6.6% share of global imports. It was followed by Mexico, with a 4.9% share.

In the United States, pens, stylos and similar stationery imports remained relatively stable over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Germany (+2.8% per year) and Mexico (+4.5% per year).

Imports By Type

In 2022, pens and pencils n.e.s. in heading no. 9608; duplicating stylos, pen-holders, pencil-holders, and similar holders, parts of the articles of heading no. 9608 (21B units) and pens; nibs and nib points (21B units) were the main types of pens, stylos and similar stationeryin the world, together accounting for near 62% of total imports. Ball-point pens (14B units) held a 20% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by porous-tipped pens and markers (14%). Refills for ball-point pens (1.8B units) and propelling or sliding pencils (1B units) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the leading imported products, was attained by pens; nibs and nib points (with a CAGR of +6.6%), while imports for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest types of imported pens, stylos and similar stationery were ball-point pens ($2.9B), porous-tipped pens and markers ($2.2B) and indian ink drawing pens, fountain pens and stylograph pens ($485M), with a combined 84% share of global imports.

Indian ink drawing pens, fountain pens and stylograph pens, with a CAGR of +5.5%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, among the main imported products over the period under review, while purchases for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices By Type

In 2022, the average import price for pens, stylos and similar stationery amounted to $0.1 per unit, reducing by -8% against the previous year. In general, the import price showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when the average import price increased by 9.8% against the previous year. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $0.1 per unit. From 2021 to 2022, the average import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by the product type; the product with the highest price was pen or pencil sets ($91 per unit), while the price for pens; nibs and nib points (less than $0.1 per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by drawing ink pen (+4.6%), while the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices By Country

The average import price for pens, stylos and similar stationery stood at $0.1 per unit in 2022, dropping by -8% against the previous year. Overall, the import price continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 an increase of 9.8%. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $0.1 per unit. From 2021 to 2022, the average import prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($0.3 per unit), while Egypt (less than $0.1 per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by China (+16.1%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports

World Exports of Pens, Stylos And Similar Stationery

In 2022, overseas shipments of pens, stylos and similar stationery increased by 26% to 71B units, rising for the second year in a row after two years of decline. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.2% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 29% against the previous year. The global exports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, pens, stylos and similar stationery exports rose rapidly to $7.2B in 2022. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +2.0% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 with an increase of 21% against the previous year. The global exports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Exports By Country

In 2022, China (26B units), distantly followed by Japan (17B units), India (8.4B units) and the United States (3.8B units) represented the largest exporters of pens, stylos and similar stationery, together comprising 77% of total exports. The following exporters - Thailand (2.1B units), Malaysia (1.9B units), Mexico (1.7B units), Germany (1.5B units) and Italy (1.1B units) - together made up 12% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Japan (with a CAGR of +7.1%), while shipments for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, China ($2.4B) remains the largest pens, stylos and similar stationery supplier worldwide, comprising 33% of global exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Japan ($951M), with a 13% share of global exports. It was followed by Germany, with an 11% share.

In China, pens, stylos and similar stationery exports increased at an average annual rate of +3.4% over the period from 2012-2022. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Japan (+0.7% per year) and Germany (-0.1% per year).

Exports By Type

The products with the highest levels of pens, stylos and similar stationery exports in 2022 were pens; nibs and nib points (25B units), ball-point pens (17B units), porous-tipped pens and markers (15B units) and pens and pencils n.e.s. in heading no. 9608; duplicating stylos, pen-holders, pencil-holders, and similar holders, parts of the articles of heading no. 9608 (12B units), together resulting at 96% of total export. Refills for ball-point pens (1.6B units) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the key exported products, was attained by pens; nibs and nib points (with a CAGR of +8.7%), while the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest types of exported pens, stylos and similar stationery were ball-point pens ($3.1B), porous-tipped pens and markers ($2.4B) and indian ink drawing pens, fountain pens and stylograph pens ($438M), with a combined 84% share of global exports.

Porous-tipped pens and markers, with a CAGR of +5.5%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, among the main exported products over the period under review, while shipments for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices By Type

The average export price for pens, stylos and similar stationery stood at $0.1 per unit in 2022, reducing by -13.1% against the previous year. In general, the export price showed a slight reduction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when the average export price increased by 12%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $0.1 per unit. From 2021 to 2022, the average export prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by the product type; the product with the highest price was pen or pencil sets ($240 per unit), while the average price for exports of pens; nibs and nib points (less than $0.1 per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by drawing ink pen (+4.3%), while the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices By Country

In 2022, the average export price for pens, stylos and similar stationery amounted to $0.1 per unit, declining by -13.1% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price saw a mild descent. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when the average export price increased by 12% against the previous year. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $0.1 per unit. From 2021 to 2022, the average export prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($0.5 per unit), while Thailand (less than $0.1 per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Mexico (+5.9%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform