ALEXANDRIA, VA (July 17, 2002) – The Printing Industries of America’s (PIA) June Monthly Print Market Survey sponsored by Heidelberg reported total May 2002 sales up just under one percent from May 2001 levels. Monthly print sales continued to climb from the previous month. May 2002 sales were up an average of 2.6 percent from April 2002 levels. May Print Markets May 2002 sales compared to May 2001 +.8% May 2002 sales compared to April 2002 +2.6% "For the first time since last summer, total monthly printing sales increased from year-earlier levels. Although the up-tick is slight, this represents a significant turn around in print markets," explains Ron Davis, PhD., Chief Economist, PIA. "While there is growth, it is important to note that this month’s numbers are being compared to May of last year, and in 2001 the industry suffered severely depressed sales." Almost half of the survey respondents (48.6 percent) reported their sales were up from a year ago while 45.0 percent report declining sales compared to last May. On a monthly basis almost six out of ten respondents cited increased sales while just over 35 percent reported declines. May 2002 sales compared to May 2001 Firms with increasing sales 48.6% Firms with decreasing sales 45.0% May 2002 sales compared to April 2002 Firms with increasing sales 58.7% Firms with decreasing sales 35.8%