In my more than 25 years covering the ink industry for Ink World, I can say that price increases are the news that catches the most attention. Typically, ink manufacturers want nothing to do with issuing price increases, but circumstances out of their hands sometimes force the issue. It can be raw material shortages, some unusual issues, or political concerns.

For example, the past two years have seen a number of geopolitical issues playing out. The first, throughout 2025, was the Trump Administration plan on tariffs, which created uncertainty as there were spikes in costs and some thoughts by companies on ending the supply of certain goods to the US.

Now, we have an even more serious issue on our hands with the war in Iran. The Iranian government has so far effectively choked off the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for the oil industry. With that, a barrel of crude oil has risen dramatically past the $100 mark and a gallon of gas is on average at $4. Although there is a temporary cease fire at the time of my writing this, there is also talk of adding tolls to each barrel of oil.

As a result, suppliers are raising prices and the ink industry is forced to follow suit. Here is what has been announced so far (keep in mind that many companies don’t announce price increases publicly):

• Sun Chemical

Sun Chemical is a subsidiary of DIC Corporation, the largest ink manufacturer globally. Sun Chemical announced on March 19, 2026 that it will implement price increases and surcharges across all its product divisions, effective immediately. They cited the “ongoing geopolitical developments in the Middle East, notably the situation involving Iran, which is significantly impacting global energy markets, logistics routes, and chemical feedstock availability.”  

In particular, Sun Chemical noted that they are facing:

• Steep raw materials and intermediates price increases driven by volatility and the availability of oil and gas supply.

• Higher transportation, logistics, and insurance costs, particularly for shipments through critical trade routes.

• Longer lead times caused by disruptions in supply chains affect availability and reliability.

Higher energy costs are significantly higher in certain regions.

• Flint Group

The world’s second-largest ink producer, Flint Group  announced on March 26 that it raised the prices of all its packaging ink and coating products, effective immediately, asd a result of increasing costs related to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

“Recent events in the Middle East are having a significant impact on the cost and availability of many essential materials and services, and regrettably, we do not expect these pressures to ease quickly,” said Doug Aldred, chief commercial officer – Flint Group.

In particular, Flint Group pointed to price increases for raw materials and intermediates; rising transportation, logistics, and insurance costs; longer lead times; lower availability of certain materials; force majeure from certain suppliers; and higher energy costs.

Wherever feasible, Flint Group continues to deploy internal efficiency initiatives and assess opportunities to mitigate cost and risk for its valued customers. 

Heiner Klokkers, president and CEO, Europe, India, Africa & the Middle East – Flint Group added, “Following a number of significant disruptions over recent years, supply chains are fragile. Nevertheless, we are working closely with all our suppliers and third-party service providers to mitigate rising costs, secure raw materials, and reduce risk wherever possible.”

However, the scale and pace of the current cost increases warrant price corrections and surcharges to ensure the company can continue supplying quality solutions.

• INX International Ink Company

Due to the uncertainty of the current situation in the Middle East, INX International Ink Co. alerted customers on March 27 to the strong likelihood of price increases across all product lines.

INX is experiencing sharply higher costs for raw materials, energy, logistics, insurance, and transportation, as well as extended lead times due to disruptions in the supply chain in nearly every market region.

The INX supply chain team is working diligently with its network to mitigate price increases and secure the supply of critical raw materials.

However, the uncertainty of these evolving events has led to a series of increases impacting INX’s ability to maintain costs. 

INX representatives will be contacting customers directly to discuss price increase specifics and the impact on each product portfolio. Customers will be kept updated, and they should contact their sales representatives directly with any questions.

• hubergroup

hubergroup announced it had implemented necessary price adjustments across its global product portfolio on March 18. This decision comes as a direct result of the significant supply chain and energy market disruptions triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

“hubergroup has worked intensively to mitigate the impact of these disruptions through long-term supplier partnerships, internal efficiency programs, and strategic inventory management,” said Premal Desai, CEO, hubergroup. “However, the scale and persistence of the current cost pressures make price adjustments unavoidable. These measures are essential to ensure continuity of supply and to maintain the high quality and reliability our customers expect.”

The current geopolitical situation has led to sharp volatility in global oil and gas markets, on which many critical raw materials used in ink and coating production depend. 

Key components such as resins, solvents, pigments, and additives have experienced substantial cost increases due to constrained availability, elevated freight rates, and reduced production capacities across the chemical industry.

The price adjustments will vary depending on product category and raw material composition. Customers will receive detailed information directly from their hubergroup representatives. The new pricing will take effect immediately.

hubergroup continues to monitor global developments closely and will adapt its measures as market conditions evolve.

• artience

On April 15, artience, which includes Toyo Ink Group, announced a wide range of price increases immediately, covering gravure and flexo inks, energy-curable inks, offset inks, screen inks and other products.

• In addition, the European Printing Ink Association (EuPIA) issued a statement on March 20, 2026.

The European Printing Ink Association (EuPIA) has been monitoring the escalating situation in the Middle East and its consequences for global energy markets, raw material availability, and logistics for the printing ink sector across Europe.

Cornelia Tietz, EuPIA director, commented: “EuPIA is in active dialogue with its members and partner associations to track the evolving impact of this situation on our sector. We are committed to keeping members informed and to advocating for the conditions that support supply security for European printing ink producers.”

Supply Chain & Cost Observations

Disruptions to shipping flows through the Strait of Hormuz, and ongoing rerouting via the Cape of Good Hope, are extending transit times for chemical feedstocks and raw materials relevant to ink manufacturing by approximately 10-14 days.

War-risk insurance premiums and freight rates have risen sharply, with further increases anticipated. Air freight is also affected, as disruptions to regional airspace and logistics hubs are altering transport flows and increasing costs.

Brent crude prices above $100 per barrel are driving up costs for key petrochemical derivatives- including solvents, binders, resins, and additives – that are core inputs to printing ink formulations. 

Utility demands in production processes may see gradual pressure as regional tensions affect gas and electricity-linked expenses.

EuPIA and its Council are monitoring these developments closely while prioritizing resilient sourcing and innovation in sustainable materials. EuPIA underscores the printing ink sector’s adaptability in navigating broader supply chain complexities and is in communication with partner associations as and where possible.