Geopolitics: The Biggest Market Disruption Facing the Imaging Industry in 2026

RTMworld 2026 Industry Outlook Series

Geopolitics: The Biggest Market Disruption Facing the Imaging Industry in 2026

By RTMworld Editorial Team

Featuring insights from Dhruv Mahajan

Editor’s Note

As part of RTMworld’s industry outlook series, we invited leading industry professionals to answer one question:

“What do you think will be the biggest market challenge in 2026?”

Their perspectives will help shape discussions at RemaxWorld Summit 2026, where industry leaders will explore the market disruptions and opportunities defining the next stage of the imaging industry.

In this article, Dhruv Mahajan shares his perspective. 

Dhruv Mahajan’s Perspective

The biggest disruption facing the imaging industry in 2026 will not be artificial intelligence, faster print engines, or the next generation of imaging technology. It will be geopolitics.

Trade policies, tariffs, local manufacturing mandates, environmental regulations, and shifting tax regimes are redefining where products are made, how supply chains are structured, and which companies will remain competitive. The era of a single global manufacturing model is giving way to a more regionalized world, where business strategy is increasingly shaped by government policy as much as by technological innovation.

Around the world, governments are placing greater emphasis on supply chain resilience, domestic manufacturing, and local value addition. Companies that once optimized purely for cost are now being forced to balance efficiency with security, compliance, and regional market access. As a result, manufacturing is becoming more localized, supply chains are more diversified, and sourcing decisions are more strategic.

In Europe, sustainability will continue to be a defining competitive factor. Regulations supporting the circular economy and the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (3R) are expected to encourage local manufacturing, remanufacturing, and environmentally responsible production. Companies that can demonstrate lower carbon footprints, greater product recyclability, and compliance with evolving environmental standards are likely to enjoy a competitive advantage, while low-cost imports may face increasing regulatory and sustainability-related barriers.

In the United States, business decisions will continue to be influenced by tariffs, trade policy, intellectual property protection, right-to-repair legislation, and country-of-origin considerations. Manufacturers and distributors will need agile, diversified supply chains that can respond quickly to changing political and commercial realities without compromising customer service or profitability.

India is emerging as one of the most important growth markets in the industry. Government initiatives encouraging domestic manufacturing—including Make in India, public procurement policies and other localization measures—are expected to continue strengthening India’s manufacturing ecosystem. Companies investing in local production, assembly, and component sourcing will be better positioned to serve both government and private-sector customers while reducing dependence on imports.

For manufacturers, distributors, and channel partners, success in 2026 will depend on much more than launching innovative products. Competitive advantage will increasingly stem from building resilient regional supply chains, aligning with national industrial policies, strengthening local partnerships, and responding promptly to regulatory changes.

The imaging industry has always been driven by innovation. In 2026, however, the greatest competitive differentiator may not be the technology inside the product—it may be where the product is made, how resilient its supply chain is, and how well the business aligns with the economic priorities of the markets it serves.

In short, the biggest disruption in 2026 will not be technological—it will be geopolitical. The companies that recognize this shift early and adapt accordingly will be the ones best positioned to lead the next phase of the imaging industry’s evolution.

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About the Author

Dhruv Mahajan is RT Imaging World’s Regional Partner for India. Based in New Delhi, he has spent the past eleven years in international business development, helping expand the aftermarket imaging supplies business across India, the Gulf region and Southeast Asia.

“I know all the key players in this market and I know they are looking for components as well as finished goods for laser, inkjet, copier, wide-format as well as new printer options. There are many medium-sized businesses I know that are also looking to expand their businesses and I am confident of providing support to them all.”

Mahajan can be contacted at: dhruvm@ggimage.com.

About RemaxWorld Summit

As one of the key events during RemaxWorld Expo, RemaxWorld Summit 2026 will bring together manufacturers, distributors, industry experts and market analysts from around the world to explore the forces reshaping the imaging industry. Through keynote presentations, panel discussions and expert insights, the summit will examine market disruption, AI-driven transformation, evolving channel strategies, supply chain resilience and emerging business opportunities.

To learn more about the RemaxWorld Summit 2026, its speakers, and agenda, stay tuned to RTMworld for upcoming announcements.

Related:

• Industry View┃What Will Be the Biggest Disruption Facing the Imaging Industry in 2026?
• Beyond the Printer: Why 2026 Could Mark the Beginning of a New Imaging Industry

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