What this market covers
Machines and powders that build metal parts layer by layer, using laser, electron beam or binder methods. Buyers are aerospace, medical, tooling and automotive firms.
Typical segments
- Powder bed fusion
- Directed energy deposition
- Binder jetting
- Metal powders
Source: Eurostat
Why this market is moving now
- Extra-EU import value moved +57% from 2022 to 2025, a direct read on EU demand for sourced supply.
- Supply is concentrated: one country provided a large share of extra-EU imports in 2025.
Key figures
Each figure names the source it came from. Open the source list below to read the quoted line.
| Figure | Value | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| The EU imported €28.4 million of products under CN code 84851000 (Machines for additive manufacturing by metal deposit) from outside the EU in 2025. | 28.4 EUR million | 2025 | Eurostat |
| Extra-EU imports of CN 84851000 were up 57% in 2025 compared with 2022 (€18.1 million), calculated from Eurostat values. | +57 % change | 2025 | Eurostat |
| EU exports of CN 84851000 to countries outside the EU were worth €233.1 million in 2025. | 233.1 EUR million | 2025 | Eurostat |
| Trade between EU member states in CN 84851000 (intra-EU arrivals) came to €78.0 million in 2025. | 78.0 EUR million | 2025 | Eurostat |
| China was the largest non-EU supplier of CN 84851000 to the EU in 2025, with €11.9 million, or 42% of extra-EU imports. | 11.9 EUR million | 2025 | Eurostat |
| EU exports of CN 84851000 to the United States were €141.7 million in 2025. | 141.7 EUR million | 2025 | Eurostat |
| The average value of extra-EU imports of CN 84851000 was €77.86 per kilogram in 2025, calculated from Eurostat value and weight. | 77.86 EUR per kg | 2025 | Eurostat |
| Germany was the largest EU exporter of CN 84851000 to non-EU countries in 2025, at €215.7 million. | 215.7 EUR million | 2025 | Eurostat |
| The EU had 14,754 enterprises in NACE class C2829 (Manufacture of other general-purpose machinery n.e.c.) in 2023. | 14,754 enterprises | 2023 | Eurostat |
| EU enterprises in NACE class C2829 had net turnover of €90.00 billion in 2023. | 90.00 EUR billion | 2023 | Eurostat |
| NACE class C2829 employed 383,177 people across the EU in 2023. | 383,177 persons employed | 2023 | Eurostat |
Sources and method
The figures on this page come from the public sources listed below. Read how we work.
- Eurostat: EU trade since 1988 by HS2-4-6 and CN8 (DS-045409) (2026-11-04)
Quoted lines
- Figure 1
DS-045409, reporter EU27_2020, product 84851000, partner EXT_EU27_2020, flow import, 2025, VALUE_IN_EUROS 28383452
- Figure 2
DS-045409, reporter EU27_2020, product 84851000, flow import, 2022 VALUE_IN_EUROS 18117996; 2025 VALUE_IN_EUROS 28383452
- Figure 3
DS-045409, reporter EU27_2020, product 84851000, partner EXT_EU27_2020, flow export, 2025, VALUE_IN_EUROS 233082147
- Figure 4
DS-045409, reporter EU27_2020, product 84851000, partner INT_EU27_2020, flow import, 2025, VALUE_IN_EUROS 78046235
- Figure 5
DS-045409, reporter EU27_2020, product 84851000, partner CN, flow import, 2025, VALUE_IN_EUROS 11861138
- Figure 6
DS-045409, reporter EU27_2020, product 84851000, partner US, flow export, 2025, VALUE_IN_EUROS 141749274
- Figure 7
DS-045409, reporter EU27_2020, product 84851000, flow import, 2025, VALUE_IN_EUROS 28383452, QUANTITY_IN_100KG 3645
- Figure 1
- Eurostat: EU trade since 1988 by HS2-4-6 and CN8 (DS-045409) (2026-11-04)
Quoted lines
- Figure 8
DS-045409, reporter DE, product 84851000, partner EXT_EU27_2020, flow export, 2025, VALUE_IN_EUROS 215727114
- Figure 8
- Eurostat: Enterprises by detailed NACE Rev. 2 activity and special aggregates (sbs_ovw_act) (2026-11-04)
Quoted lines
- Figure 9
sbs_ovw_act, geo EU27_2020, nace_r2 C2829, indic_sbs ENT_NR, 2023, 14754
- Figure 10
sbs_ovw_act, geo EU27_2020, nace_r2 C2829, indic_sbs NETTUR_MEUR, 2023, 90000
- Figure 11
sbs_ovw_act, geo EU27_2020, nace_r2 C2829, indic_sbs EMP_NR, 2023, 383177
- Figure 9
Buyers and suppliers
Who buys
- Aerospace firms
- Medical device makers
- Tooling and automotive firms
Large non-EU suppliers to the EU
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the European Union market - 03Market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 05Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 06Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 07Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 08Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 09Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 10Method and sources
Every assumption and source, listed
Included with the full report
- PDF report, 40 to 60 pages
- Excel data pack
- Ready-to-use charts
- Method note and assumptions
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Frequently asked questions
How big is the EU 3D metal printing market?
There is no single official market total. Eurostat trade data shows the EU imported €28.4 million of goods under CN 84851000 from outside the EU in 2025 and exported €233.1 million.
Where does the EU import 3D metal printing from?
China was the largest non-EU supplier in 2025. Other large suppliers included United States, United Kingdom, Korea, Republic of.
What is the average import price of 3D metal printing in the EU?
Dividing Eurostat import value by weight gives about €77.86 per kilogram for CN 84851000 in 2025.
Which EU countries export the most 3D metal printing?
Germany led EU exports to non-EU countries in 2025, followed by Spain, Sweden.
How many EU companies are in the 3D metal printing industry?
Eurostat counts 14,754 enterprises in NACE class C2829 (Manufacture of other general-purpose machinery n.e.c.).
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