WhatTheyThink

Premium Commentary & Analysis

Highlights of the WhatTheyThink Printing Forecast 2018

WhatTheyThink’s Forecast 2018 report, by Dr. Joe Webb and Richard Romano provides detailed analysis of the most recent Print Business Outlook Survey, the latest industry economic data and macroeconomic trends, as well as industry and cultural technological trends to look out for in 2018.

Monday, February 05, 2018

Last fall, the Economics and Research Center (ERC) conducted its Annual Print Business Outlook Survey. Here are the highlights of that survey. For complete results, as well as macroeconomic data, industry forecast, and technological trends, see the full Printing Industry Forecast 2018 report.

In terms of revenues, business in 2017 has been perceived by our survey respondents as generally OK; 38% said that revenues had increased by six percent or more compared to 2016 (up a few percentage points from last Fall’s survey), while 19% said that they had decreased by six percent or more, although this is up five percentage points from last year.

In terms of your revenues at this location, how has 2017 compared to 2016? —All responses, Fall 2017


Continue reading your article
with a WhatTheyThink membership.

WhatTheyThink Annual Membership

Less than $4/week.

Get unlimited access to in-depth commentary and analysis covering the latest trends, emerging technologies, operational strategies, and key events across every segment of today's printing industry.

Stay informed. Stay competitive. Stay ahead.
WhatTheyThink Day Pass

$5 for 24 hours

Unlimited access to all of WhatTheyThink. Get your Day Pass

Already a member?
Sign In

About Richard Romano

Richard Romano is Managing Editor of WhatTheyThink.  He curates the Wide Format section on WhatTheyThink.com. He has been writing about the graphic communications industry for more than 25 years. He is the author or coauthor of more than half a dozen books on printing technology and business. His most recent book is “Beyond Paper: An Interactive Guide to Wide-Format and Specialty Printing.

Recent Articles from Richard Romano

WhatTheyThink Student of the Month: Adrian Martinez

WhatTheyThink Student of the Month: Adrian Martinez

In partnership with the Foundation for Graphic Communication Education (formerly the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation), WhatTheyThink is profiling promising students in a graphic communications or related program. This month, we profile Adrian Martinez, a third-year student at Illinois State University majoring in Graphic Communication Technology. Read More

Meet Our Student of the Month: Adrian Martinez

Meet Our Student of the Month: Adrian Martinez

In partnership with the Foundation for Graphic Communication Education (formerly the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation), each month we profile a promising student in a graphic communications or related program. The goal is to raise awareness of graphic communications programs, as well as help students get a “leg up” on entering the industry after graduation. This month, we profile Adrian Martinez, a third-year student at the Illinois State University majoring in Graphic Communications Technology. Read More

EFI's Ken Hanulec on Trends in Display Graphics

EFI's Ken Hanulec on Trends in Display Graphics

Ken Hanulec, Vice President of Worldwide Marketing for EFI, talks about the latest trends in display graphics as well as some of the recent EFI product releases. Read More

Epson's Latest UV Flatbed Printer

Epson's Latest UV Flatbed Printer

David Bistrovic, Product Manager, Professional Imaging, for Epson highlights some of the company's most recent product introductions—including its new UV flatbed printer, the 10-color SureColor V4000. Read More

Roland Makes Its Mark

Roland Makes Its Mark

Richard Romano talks with Michelle Schott, Marketing Director for Roland DG, about the company's celebration of a major milestone and its new branding. Read More

Recent Printing Industry News

Wednesday, June 03, 2026