Procurement Market Intelligence Report
Ink Cartridges
Sourcing Guide & Market Intelligence
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Ink Cartridges Global Overview
Definition
Summary
Ink cartridges are the component of inkjet printers (including inkjet multifunction devices) that hold the ink that is transferred to paper during printing. Buyers of ink cartridges include businesses, consumers, and schools, while suppliers are typically manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers.
This Report Includes:
- Ink Cartridges
- Ink Cartridge Refills
Not in this Report:
- Printer Toner
- Other Inks
Classification:
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Global Ink Cartridges Procurement Trends
Discover the top international trends affecting procurement in the global Ink Cartridges market.
Warning Trends
Tariffs to negatively impact chemicals industry
- The Trump Administration’s reciprocal tariffs, which apply general tariff rate increases to most leading US trade partners in August, and raised tariffs on specific chemicals like branded and patented pharmaceutical products to 100.0% in October. These changes will significantly increase the tariff rate on leading chemical exporting countries, including the European Union (15.0%), Canada (35.0%), China (54.0%), Singapore (10.0%), and India (25.0%).
- Certain chemicals, including polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, phenols, ethylene, and titanium dioxide, are exempt from tariffs. However, according to Chemical Processing Magazine, tariffs, in general, are expected to add 2.0% to 5.0% to overall expenses for US chemical producers due to higher steel and equipment costs, as well as rising supply chain risk.
- China is a major supplier of chemicals to the United States, estimated to account for around 11.0% of total imports, according to the US Chamber of Commerce. Most of these imports are intermediate products used as inputs in domestic chemical production, meaning the tariffs will still impact chemical suppliers with US manufacturing operations.
- According to the Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (SOCMA), the higher US tariff rate on imports of chemicals will disrupt supply chains and raise operating costs for domestic chemical manufacturers. Increased input costs are typically passed on to buyers in the form of higher prices.
- The United States is the most important export market for Germany’s chemical industry, and major suppliers like BASF are expected to be negatively impacted by the 15.0% tariff on the European Union member countries. However, chemicals covered under the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) agreement, meaning those produced wholly in Mexico or Canada, will be exempt from tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, providing some relief for the highly integrated North American chemicals trade.
Global Ink Cartridges Market - Suppliers by Region
| Country/Region | Number of Suppliers |
|---|---|
| #1 Europe | 49,740 |
| #2 Oceania & Southeast Asia | 39,875 |
| #3 China | 33,330 |
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Geography Drilldown - US
Average Cost of Ink Cartridges
United States
2026 Market Pricing$19.00 to $XX.XX
per ounceAverage Price
Prices in the Ink Cartridges market range from $19.00 to $XX.XX, depending on Ink Formulation, Ink Color, Quantity and Brand. For example, lower prices are associated with Cheaper formula ($15 to $45 per ounce), whereas higher prices are associated with Expensive formula ($55 to $80 per ounce).
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Between our Europe and Canada collections, we provide price data for 350 markets so you can instantly compare prices across borders. Or, use our custom research services for intel on prices in any region across the globe.
Ink Cartridges Category Price Trends
Pricing trends are indicated by the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during a set period of time. For the Ink Cartridges market, prices in the US have grown 3.6% from 2022 to 2025. Subscribers can access price trend forecasts, price driver projections and forward-looking cost structure data. Learn more
United States (2022-2025)
United States (2025-2028)
Compound Annual Growth Rate
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Price trend forecasts are available to subscribers, along with price driver projections and forward-looking cost structure data.
Cost Analysis - Total Cost of Ownership for Ink Cartridges
Total cost of ownership is Low in the Ink Cartridges market. The average cost of ownership differs depending on the contract but generally includes costs negotiated before the contract begins, costs billed during the contract period and unforeseen costs. For example, unforeseen costs in the form of Restocking may raise the total cost of ownership unexpectedly.
Negotiated Before
Pre-evaluation
Billed During
Maintenance
Unforeseen
Restocking
Buyer Power in Procurement Negotiations
In 2026, buyer power amounts to -0.7 in the United States. Buyer power is most positively impacted by Recent Developments. It is most negatively impacted by Forecast Price Trend. Subscribers can access details on eight other factors that impact buyer power. Learn more
United States
Buyer power forecasts: your glimpse into the future
Develop strategies for the upcoming year and identify unforeseen opportunities for buying now
- Actionable "Buy Now" and "Buy Later" insights
- Near-real-time updates to current and forecast Buyer Power Scores
- Methodology and weightings for Buyer Power Score Components
Supply Chain Risk
The average level of supply chain risk is assessed as Medium, which has a negative impact on buyer power. The level of supply chain risk is affected by industry volatility, barriers to entry, competition, import penetration, regulation and industry financial risk. Buyers in this market can mitigate procurement and supply chain management risks by monitoring risk levels for individual first and second tier suppliers:
1st
Tier Suppliers
- Plastic & Resin Manufacturers
- Chemical Wholesalers
2nd
Tier Suppliers
- Petroleum Refineries
- Inorganic Chemical Manufacturers
Biggest Ink Cartridges Suppliers in the US by Revenue
The largest Ink Cartridges vendors by revenue in the US are Eastman Kodak Company, Konica Minolta Holdings Inc. and Seiko Epson Corp. Subscribers can sort and filter by market share concentration, profit level and other factors. Learn more
| Supplier | Operational Size | Headquarters | Number of Employees | Market Share (%) | Market Share Performance (3yr trend) | Total Revenue ($ million) | Profit Level (%) | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Konica Minolta Holdings Inc. | Global | Tokyo, JP | >10,001 | 10-15 | ||||
| Dell Technologies Inc. | Global | ROUND ROCK | >10,000 | 10-15 | ||||
| Ricoh Company Ltd. | Global | Tokyo, JP | >10,001 | 5-10 | ||||
| Brother Industries Ltd | Global | Nagoya, JP | >10,001 | 5-10 | ||||
| Hp inc. | Global | PALO ALTO | >10,000 | 5-10 | ||||
| Lexmark International Inc. | Global | Lexington, KY | 1,001-10,000 | 5-10 | ||||
| Canon Inc. | Global | Tokyo, JP | >10,001 | < 5 | ||||
| Seiko Epson Corp | Global | Suwa, JP | >10,001 | < 5 | ||||
| Xerox Corporation | Global | NORWALK, CT | >10,000 | < 5 | ||||
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Profit Analysis
The average profit margin across vendors in the Ink Cartridges market is 2.8% and steady. Profit levels shift depending on suppliers' spend on wages, purchases and overhead. The highest cost component for vendors is Purchases. The cost trend for this component is stagnating, when considering movement between 2025 and 2026. To understand cost forecasts for 2027 and uncover the implications on profit, start your subscription. Learn more
Vendor & Supply Chain Analysis
The top manufacturers in this market are large companies with diversified product portfolios that help maintain revenue streams and profitability, leading to low vendor risk on average. The profitability of suppliers helps to moderate the risk stemming from declining demand.
The market share concentration level in this market is moderate; sales are highly concentrated among top OEMs and their network of resellers due to the market's high barriers to entry and strong brand awareness from leading suppliers. As a result, the strong pricing leverage among these suppliers hinders buyer power.
The prices of plastic, iron, and inorganic chemicals tend to be volatile. Because manufacturers require these inputs to create their products, this volatility translates to a medium level of supply chain risk.
The United States is a net importer of computers, meaning it imports more computers than it exports. While lower manufacturing costs abroad drive down prices for imported computers, relying on imports can lead to potential shortages or price increases if there are supply chain disruptions due to geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, or global crises.
Supplier Information
Dell Technologies Inc.
Dell Technologies Inc. is a global provider of comprehensive information technology solutions, products, and services. It organizes its business into two segments: the Infrastructure Solutions Group, which offers multi-cloud and big data solutions to simplify, streamline, and automate cloud operations, and... Subscribe to learn more
Konica Minolta Holdings Inc.
Konica Minolta Holdings Inc. is a public company operating globally in the manufacturing, manufacturing and real estate & rental & leasing sectors. The company's offerings include computer printers, printer toner, ink cartridges, photocopier leasing and managed print services. Founded in 2003, the company... Subscribe to learn more
Brother Industries Ltd
Brother Industries Ltd is a public company operating globally in the manufacturing and manufacturing sectors. The company's offerings include computer printers, printer toner, ink cartridges and managed print services. Founded in 1908, the company is currently headquartered in Nagoya, Japan with an estimated... Subscribe to learn more
Hp inc.
HP Inc. is a provider of diversified technology products. It offers personal computing, digital access devices, imaging and printing products, and related solutions. It sells and markets to individual consumers, small and medium-sized businesses, and large enterprises across healthcare, education, retail,... Subscribe to learn more
Lexmark International Inc.
Lexmark International Inc. is a private company operating globally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include ink cartridges and managed print services. Founded in 1991, the company is currently headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America with an estimated 5500 employees.... Subscribe to learn more
Ricoh Company Ltd.
Ricoh Company Ltd. is a public company operating globally in the manufacturing, manufacturing and real estate & rental & leasing sectors. The company's offerings include computer printers, printer toner, ink cartridges, interactive whiteboards, locker systems. Founded in 1936, the company is currently headquartered... Subscribe to learn more
Canon Inc.
Canon Inc. is a public company operating globally in the manufacturing, manufacturing, information and real estate & rental & leasing sectors. The company's offerings include printing & writing paper, print servers, computer printers, video management software, printer toner. Founded in 1937, the company Subscribe to learn more
Eastman Kodak Company
Eastman Kodak Company is a global manufacturer of commercial print and advanced materials and chemicals. It organizes its business into three reportable segments: the Print segment, which offers digital offset plates, computer-to-plate imaging solutions, digital printing solutions, production press systems,... Subscribe to learn more
Primera Technology Inc.
Primera Technology Inc. is a private company operating globally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include ink cartridges. Founded in 1998, the company is currently headquartered in Plymouth, Minnesota, United States of America with an estimated 140 employees. Subscribe to learn more
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Procurement Management KPIs for the Ink Cartridges Market
Managing vendor performance throughout the contract period is easier when tracking specific key performance indicators (KPIs). For example, buyers should monitor Defect Density and On-Time Delivery (OTD). Buyers may experience better performance throughout their contracts if they establish service level agreements (SLAs) based on Support and other factors.
| KPI | Level of Importance (1-5) | Measurements | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defect Density |
|
Number of units sold Number of defective units |
The defect density represents the share of defective products a company produces. The defect density can be used to determine whether manufacturing, assembly, or quality assurance processes require improvement. Defects may include products that leak fluids or are incompatible with the buyer's printer due to manufacturing errors. |
| On-Time Delivery (OTD) |
|
Number of deliveries Number of on-time deliveries |
The on-time delivery rate represents the percentage of orders that are delivered on time. The on-time delivery rate can be used to determine the likelihood of a delayed delivery. Buyers requiring regular shipments of printer toners should ask vendors what processes are in place to ensure buyers do not miss deliveries in the event that supply chain disruptions emerge. |
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Questions to Ask During Procurement Negotiations
How can I gain leverage during negotiations?
Quality Control
How do you audit the quality of your products?
What are your standards for testing a cartridge's suitability for use?
Warranty
What warranty options do you offer for your products?
What limitations are there to the warranty coverage?
Product Lines
What additional products and services beyond ink cartridges do you provide?
Do you also sell printers? Are you able to match ink cartridges to printer models without specific cartridge model information?
The ultimate prep for procurement negotations
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Ink Cartridges RFP Guidelines
What should my RFP include?
Organizational Overview
Buyers should provide a general overview of their organization, including facility locations.
Buyers should outline the scope of the contract, indicating whether the purchase is ad hoc or part of a broader office supply contract.
Statement Of Need
Buyers should indicate the number of ink cartridges required, as well as the desired frequency of purchase orders.
Buyers should indicate ink cartridge model numbers needed or brand preferences.
Project Budget
Buyers should indicate the contract budget, if possible.
Buyers should specify payment terms and schedules.
The RFP process made easy
Find out how you can access RFP templates for 800+ procurement categories to start writing better, more consistent RFPs.
We display average pricing information, trends and market data.
Our Reports include:
- Opportunity assessment
- Market dynamics
- Recent developments
- Positive and warning trends
- Buyer power levers
- Price environment and market pricing
- Geographic wage rates
- Global market updates
- Total cost of ownership
- Cost structure benchmarks and analysis
- Supply chain and vendors
- Global supplier breakdown
- Market share concentration
- Regulation and business requirements
- Vendor management and KPIs
- Sourcing strategy guidance
