3D printer shipments expected to bounce back in 2025, driven by falling interest rates and increased demand.
A big rebound in industrial 3D printer shipments - especially those costing more than $100,000 - by the latter half of 2025, according to CONTEXT, an independent market intelligence firm. This is the result of the firm's latest report, which presents a particularly hard 2024, where revenue in Q2 2024 declined to 17% lower than its corresponding value from the previous year. Industrial 3D printer shipments were down 15% for the first half of 2024 compared to 2023. However, CONTEXT believes that falling interest rates will stimulate demand, and shipments will rise by 15% by 2025. This growth could bring sales back to 2021 levels, providing a much-needed recovery for the high-end 3D printing sector.
Chris Connery, VP of Global Analysis at CONTEXT, said: "Interest rates are starting to fall, and the falling cost of capital means that the upper end of the additive manufacturing sector is ready for a rebound." He added: "System manufacturers are reporting excellent interest from potential buyers who want to buy now that financing will be more favorable."
Though interest rates are quite high and there is a lack of capital spending, the general market scenario still seems positive. According to CONTEXT, the shipments of industrial 3D printers will have a CAGR of 19% over the next five years. Shipments of entry-level consumer-centric printers at less than $2,500 have been particularly strong and over double the units shipped in H1 2023, with a 41% increase. Shipments of midrange printers ($20,000–$100,000) declined by 10%, and shipments of professional printers ($2,500–$20,000) fell by as much as 28%. According to CONTEXT, these trends are part of an ongoing trend, with entry-level models set to continue dominating while mid-range and professional models may see a rebound in 2025.
As inflation continues to ease, the market for 3D printing will be on the upsurge in 2025 for all segments.
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