Full Throttle Continues: China’s 3D Printer Output Surges 40.0% Year-on-Year in May 2025, Says National Bureau of Statistics

On June 17, 2025, according to Panda3dp.com, the National Bureau of Statistics released its industrial production data for May, revealing that output of 3D printing equipment rose 40.0% year-on-year. Industrial robots and new energy vehicles also saw strong growth, with output increasing 35.5% and 31.7% respectively. 3D printing equipment continues to maintain a robust growth trajectory.

Long-Term Trend: Sustained Growth in 3D Printer Production

China’s 3D printing sector has been on a steady upward trajectory in recent years. Since entering 2025, the momentum has only accelerated, making 3D printing one of the defining forces in the country’s push for advanced manufacturing. In April, 3D printers even topped the national industrial growth ranking.

Consistent Appearance on Growth Charts

A review of National Bureau of Statistics data from past years shows 3D printing equipment frequently appearing in the top growth categories, having been explicitly highlighted at least 10 times. A selection of data points includes:

* April 2025: +60.7% YoY

* Q1 2025: +44.9% YoY

* Jan–Feb 2025: +30.2% YoY

* July 2024: +25.3% YoY

* H1 2024: +51.6% YoY

* May 2024: +36.3% YoY

* Q1 2024: +40.6% YoY

* Jan–Feb 2024: +49.5% YoY

* Full Year 2023: 2.789 million units, +36.2% YoY

* April 2020: +344.7% YoY

* March 2020: +112.8% YoY

These figures clearly reflect the industry’s explosive growth and its increasing strategic importance in national industrial development.

Booming Export Market for Chinese 3D Printers

According to data from the General Administration of Customs, China exported 1.4 million 3D printers in the first four months of 2025—up 24.3% from 1.126 million units during the same period in 2024. The total export value reached CNY 2.92 billion, representing a 16.3% increase year-on-year (from CNY 2.51 billion in 2024).

A breakdown of export categories shows:

* 532 units of metal additive manufacturing machines

* 1,399,000 units using plastic or rubber materials

* 18 units based on gypsum, cement, or ceramic materials

* 439 units of other additive manufacturing types

Among these, Shenzhen-based SmartPower Technology Co., Ltd. independently exported CNY 600 million worth of 3D printers in Q1–Q2 2025—up 31% year-on-year. Other leading domestic brands such as Creality, Anycubic, and Flashforge have also posted impressive overseas results.

China’s Growing Global Dominance in Entry-Level Segment

In the entry-level 3D printer segment, Chinese manufacturers hold a commanding global presence. In 2023, global shipments of entry-level 3D printers grew by 19%, with Chinese suppliers accounting for approximately 94% of that volume. A quick search for "3D printer" on platforms like Amazon reveals top-ranking products almost exclusively from Chinese brands.

Thanks to their unbeatable cost-performance ratio, improving technological sophistication, and expanding application scenarios, Chinese 3D printers are rapidly gaining global acceptance—not only in the consumer space but also increasingly in industrial applications. China’s equipment makers are carving out a stronger global footprint and broadening their market share across both ends of the value chain.