Smithers Forecasts USD 177bn Inkjet Market by 2031
17 July 2026: Smithers forecasts that the combined global inkjet market will be worth about USD 177 billion by 2031, driven by expansion in graphics, packaging, functional and industrial printing.
At a Glance ….
– Graphics and packaging inkjet is valued at USD 101.1 billion in 2026, according to Smithers.
– Smithers forecasts that segment will reach USD 134.6 billion by 2031.
– Functional and industrial inkjet is forecast to rise from USD 29.2 billion in 2026 to USD 42.7 billion in 2031.
– The two 2031 segment forecasts total USD 177.3 billion, which Smithers rounds in its headline to USD 177 billion.
Smithers says graphics and packaging inkjet output will grow at a 9.4% compound annual rate by value and 6.9% by volume through 2031. The figures are forecasts from the research firm, not reported market results, and should be read in that context.
Packaging and labels are expected to provide the strongest momentum. The report links this to e-commerce, population growth and demand for shorter, more personalised print runs. Books and labels are among the applications Smithers identifies as fast-growing, while advertising print and transactional output are expected to continue declining.
Asia Pacific is another central part of the outlook. Smithers expects the region to draw level with North America in inkjet volume by 2026 and move ahead across its reported measures by 2031. The firm points to China and India as both major demand centres and increasingly competitive suppliers of inkjet hardware and consumables.
The report also highlights changes in ink chemistry and equipment design. Smithers says water-based ink formulations are gaining ground in textile, corrugated and commercial printing, with food-contact and recyclability requirements helping shape packaging development. It also sees print-on-demand as a way to reduce excess production and inventory, although actual waste reductions will depend on how individual printers deploy the technology.
On equipment, the study expects more application-specific presses and higher output per machine. That could mean fewer devices sold in some categories, while productivity rises. Smithers also expects predictive maintenance, inline inspection and fleet-management software to reduce downtime and waste. Its view that AI and generative design tools will become standard by 2031 remains a forecast rather than a confirmed industry outcome.
The Future of Inkjet Printing to 2031 covers market sizing, end-use segments, ink, equipment and regional trends. Smithers lists the report at USD 6,750.
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