China Exported 965,000 Domestic 3D Printers in Q1 2025, with Total Value Approaching 2 Billion CNY

On May 7, 2025, data retrieved by Panda3dp.com from the General Administration of Customs revealed that China exported a total of 965,000 3D printing devices in the first quarter of 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 24.7%. Export value reached 1.97 billion CNY, up 13.9% from the previous year. The export volume of domestically produced 3D printers continued its upward trajectory, setting a new record high for the same period, signaling China’s shift from a technological follower to a global leader in the 3D printing industry chain.

Among the exported 3D printers, desktop models held an overwhelming majority. Specifically, 186 units were additive manufacturing devices utilizing metal materials, 965,000 units employed plastic or rubber materials, 12 units used gypsum, cement, or ceramic materials, and 252 units fell under the category of other additive manufacturing devices. The average unit price stood at 2,045 CNY.

△2025 Export Overview of Chinese Domestic 3D Printers

In terms of imports, China brought in 742 3D printers during Q1 2025, marking an 83.2% increase year-on-year; however, the total import value fell by 10.9% to 51.69 million CNY. Of these, only 1 unit was a metal-based additive manufacturing device, 699 units utilized plastic or rubber materials, 2 units employed gypsum, cement, or ceramics, and 40 units were classified as other additive manufacturing devices. These figures indicate that China has virtually achieved self-sufficiency in 3D printing equipment, with domestically made metal 3D printers fully replacing imports.

△2025 Import Overview of Chinese Domestic 3D Printers

The continued rise in China’s 3D printer exports is a clear testament to the rapid ascent of its 3D printing industry. It also embodies the nation’s transformation from a manufacturing powerhouse to a smart manufacturing leader. Over the past decade, China's 3D printing sector has undergone a dramatic evolution, overtaking global competitors and offering more inclusive and accessible solutions for the digital transformation of the global manufacturing industry.