Writing Instruments Market Size By Product Type, By Price Range, By End Use, By Distribution Channel, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Report ID: GMI7724
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Published Date: May 2025
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Report Format: PDF

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Writing Instruments Market Size

The global writing instruments market was valued at USD 17.4 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% between 2025 and 2034.
 

Writing Instruments Market

The rising demand from education and professional sectors is fueling the growth in the global writing instruments market. The global literacy rate has significantly increased, boosting the demand of writing instruments. According to the data published by World Bank the literacy rate in 2023 was around 87% amongst people of age 15 and above. This shows the increase in literacy in the world boosting the education sectors around the world. To improve the literacy rate in developing countries, governments are increasing their investments in the educational sector, subsequently boosting the demand for writing instruments in the market.
 

According to the data published by the India Brand Equity Foundation, in 2020 the number of students enrolled in higher education in India was 40million, this number is expected to reach over 92 million by the year 2035. Also in 2024, number of higher education institutes in India was around 49,652. This shows significant growth in the education sector in India which is fueling the growth in the writing instruments market. The development of corporate sector has also contributed to the growth of the global market, as it remains integral part of many businesses.
 

The growth in the ecommerce platforms in recent years has opened faster and more convenient channels of reaching the customer. The online platforms allows customers to browse from variety of options in pens, pencils, and other accessories. Many brands have entered the market as it has become easier to reach the customer with convenience. The quick commerce apps like Swiggy Instamart and Blinkit, have started delivering not only groceries but also household items in 10mins or under. These apps have significantly boosted the writing instruments market by delivering required items in 10 mins with convenience and ease of use. This has led to consumers shifting towards ecommerce and quick commerce apps for purchasing writing instruments like pens and pencils. These apps also benefit from having variety of options which appeals to consumers looking for specific brands. Due to these factors, the market is growing.
 

Writing Instruments Market Trends

  • Environmental concerns are shifting the global writing instruments industry towards sustainability and eco-friendliness. As pens are made from plastic and majorly ends up in a landfill. The trend of using ecofriendly materials in pens and pencils is shaping the market.
     
  • In May 2024, bioQ launched world’s first 100 per cent biodegradable pen made from recycled paper refills, nontoxic ink and metal or bamboo exteriors. The unique coating on the paper refills avoids any potential leaks from occurring. This innovative pen has motivated other manufacturers to shift towards sustainable solutions for pens in the market.
     
  • The trend of sustainability has led to many innovative pen products from manufacturers that solve environmental issues. Consumers who are leading sustainable life and are aiming to reduce their carbon footprint prefer writing instruments that is recyclable or made from recycled materials and biodegradable materials for reducing their impact.
     
  • In 2023, an Indian startup InKarma launched their new pens made from recycled paper and features a seed at the end of the pen which can be planted directly into soil after the ink is exhausted. This innovative pen was also packaged in reuseable box which increased its appeal to consumers looking for sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic pens.
     

Writing Instruments Market Analysis

Writing Instruments Market Size, By Product Type, 2021 - 2034 (USD Billion)

Based on the product type, the market is divided into pens, pencils, and others. In 2024, pens segment dominated the market generating revenue of USD 12.1 billion and expected to grow at a CAGR of over 6.1% during the forecast period.
 

  • The pens segment dominates the market due to its widespread use in educational and commercial sectors. Ball point pens are the most popular type of pen used across the world due to its affordability and reliability. They are also easily available and are preferred in professional settings.
     
  • Consumers who prefer smoother writing experience choose gel pens as they offer smoother writing compared to ball point pens and ink pens. Gel pens also offer multiple color options, which appeals mainly to students and creative people who prioritize color coding.
     
  • The pencils market is popular mainly in education sector and artist who are expert in sketching. Pencils are still used by engineers and architects to get precise lines in drawings and allows them to make mistakes which makes it popular choice amongst them. These factors are driving the growth in the pencil segment of the market.
     
Writing Instruments Market Revenue Share, By End Use, (2024)

Based on end use, the writing instruments market is segmented into students, professionals, and others. In 2024, students segment dominates the market with 50% market share and the segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 6.3% from 2025 to 2034.
 

  • The increasing literacy rate and rising government initiatives from emerging countries are boosting the market in the student’s segment. According to the data published by the World Bank, around 87% of the world’s population aged above 15 years is literate as of 2023. Developing countries in the Asia Pacific and Africa region are witnessing rise in literacy rate. Government initiatives in these countries are boosting the awareness of literacy amongst youngsters.
     
  • The preschools’ market is expected to grow by USD 735 million between 2021 to 2026 as reported by the India Brand Equity Foundation. The demand for non-toxic and eco-friendly products is increasing as they are preferred for students in preschools. These factors are driving growth in the students’ segments of the global writing instruments market.
     
  • The professional segments is steadily growing, driven by offices and artist who prefer pens and pencils despite the shift towards digitalization. Premium and branded pens and pencils are preferred by professionals for their appeal and feel.
     
U.S. Writing Instruments Market Size, 2021 - 2034 (USD Billion)

In terms of country, the United States led the market with about 80% of the North American market share and estimated USD 4.1 billion in revenue during 2024.
 

  • Rising demand for premium and luxury writing tools like fountain pens and designer ball pens is fueling the growth in the writing instruments market in the United States. Consumers working professional jobs prefer these pens, as it increases their social status.
     
  • The education industry in the country is also on rise with increasing number of universities and schools creating a large student population in the country. This has led to growth in the variety of writing instruments including pens, pencils and other instruments used by students ranging from kindergarten to university.
     
  • The sustainability trend in the United States has also influenced the writing instruments industry. Pens and pencils made from sustainable and ethically sourced materials are growing in demand across the country. Consumers prefer these writing instruments made from sustainable materials as it lowers their carbon footprint. Overall, these factors are driving the growth of market in the United States.
     

The writing instruments market in Europe is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2025 to 2034.
 

  • Sustainability regulations in Europe are getting stricter to push the use of ecofriendly products in the market. The market is shifting towards similar trends, as manufacturers are incorporating recycled materials in products like pens and mechanical pencils to increase their sustainability factor. Similarly, the use of ethically sourced timber for manufacturing pencils is also growing. In Germany, the trend of custom engraved pens is fueling the growth in the market. Working professionals opt for custom luxury pens that are personalized for their liking.
     

The writing instruments market in the Asia Pacific is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2025 to 2034.
 

  • The education industry in Asia Pacific is rapidly growing as government initiatives towards improving education are fueling this growth. This has significantly influenced the writing instruments industry in the region. Countries like India and China have heavily invested in education industry to improve their literacy rates. This has directly contributed to the growth of writing instruments market in these countries. According to the data published by the India Brand Equity Foundation around 40 million students were enrolled in higher education in India in 2020 and this number is expected to reach over 92 million in 2035. This highlights the growth in the education industry in India, thus contributing to the growth of writing instrument market.
     

Writing Instruments Market Share

  • The top five companies in writing instruments industry are Pilot, BIC, Uni Mitsubishi Pencil, Newell, and Staedtler and they collectively hold a share of 25%-30% in the market.
     
  • These companies continue to acquire and merge with others, expand facilities, and make various collaborations to increase their product offerings, access customer bases, and secure their market positions.
     
  • In February 2024, Mitsubishi Pencil announced its acquisition of the German fountain and ballpoint pen company Lamy, expanding its portfolio in the premium writing instrument segment.
     
  • In February 2024, Uni Mitsubishi announced its acquisition of Lamy, a German fountain and ballpoint pen company. Lamy will continue to operate as a separate entity under the Uni Mitsubishi Group. This acquisition has expanded Uni Mitsubishi’s premium segment portfolio and will help Lamy with their financial backing and decades of experience.
     

Writing Instruments Market Companies

Major players operating in the writing instruments industry are:

  • A.T. Cross
  • BIC
  • Curtis Australia
  • Faber-Castell
  • Fisher Space Pen
  • Kaweco
  • Lamy
  • Montblanc
  • Newell
  • Parker Pen
  • Pentel
  • Pilot
  • Sailor Pen
  • STAEDTLER
  • Uni Mitsubishi Pencil
     

To improve the product and market share key players are constantly investing in technological activities and are also entering into partnerships to provide improved and better solutions for the customers. These investments are benefiting both companies and customers as they help develop and offer solutions as per the changing technological trends and thus the customer requirements.
 

In April 2021, BIC introduced a new product line called the ‘ReVolution’ which featured ball point pens made from 73% recycled ocean plastic, mechanical pencils made from 65% recycled plastic and permanent markets made from 51% recycled plastic. This new product line reflected upon BIC’c commitment to sustainability efforts.
 

Writing Instruments Industry News

  • In August 2023, Faber-Castell completed the acquisition of Robert E. Huber company, a German precision mechanical products manufacturer. The company specializes in manufacturing high quality writing instruments and accessories. This acquisition has helped Faber-Castell improve their position in the market.
     
  • In February 2023, Uni Mitsubishi collaborated with Rengo a packaging manufacturer, to develop new packaging for their Uni mechanical pencils and refill leads  that is recyclable. This new packaging was made from corrugated board and was completely recyclable. This initiative further aligned Uni Mitsubishi with the environmental sustainability goals.
     
  • In December 2022, Fisher Space Pen introduced their new series of pen called ‘The Artemis Space Pen’ in celebration of its 53rd anniversary in space. This pen honors NASA’s Artemis Lunar Exploration Program and includes its logo as well. This series of pen paid tribute to space pioneers of NASA’s Apollo program.
     

The writing instruments market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD Billion) and volume (Million Units) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

Market, By Product Type

  • Pens
    • Fountain pens
    • Roller ball pens
    • Ballpoint pens
    • Gelpens
    • Designer pens
    • Others (fude pens, multifunctional pens, etc.)
  • Pencils
    • Graphite pencils
    • Mechanical pencils
    • Colored pencils
    • Others (charcoal pencils, grease pencils, etc.)
  • Others (markers, highlighters, calligraphy pens, etc.)

Market, By Price Range

  • Low (less than 20 USD)
  • Mid (20 USD - 100 USD)
  • High (above 100 USD)

Market, By End Use

  • Students
  • Professionals
  • Others (design studio, commercial offices, etc.)

Market, By Distribution Channel  

  • Online
    • Company websites
    • E-commerce
  • Offline
    • Supermarkets/hypermarkets
    • Specialty stores
    • Others (departmental stores, individual stores, etc.)

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • UK
    • Germany
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Russia
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • South Korea
    • Australia
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Mexico
  • MEA
    • UAE
    • Saudi Arabia
    • South Africa

 

Authors: Avinash Singh, Sunita Singh
Frequently Asked Question(FAQ) :
Who are the key players in the writing instruments industry?
Major players in the industry include A.T. Cross, BIC, Curtis Australia, Faber-Castell, Fisher Space Pen, Kaweco, Lamy, Montblanc, Newell, and Parker Pen.
How big is the writing instruments market?
What is the size of the pens segment in the writing instruments industry?
How much did the U.S. contribute to the writing instruments market in 2024?
Writing Instruments Market Scope
  • Writing Instruments Market Size
  • Writing Instruments Market Trends
  • Writing Instruments Market Analysis
  • Writing Instruments Market Share
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    Premium Report Details

    Base Year: 2024

    Companies covered: 15

    Tables & Figures: 180

    Countries covered: 18

    Pages: 220

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