Finally, the full results on the turnover (aka revenues) in the printing industry in Europe for 2020 are in—after indexed data was the only source for print volume developments during the pandemic. While the indexed data only allowed for approximations, real turnover data is now available—even if the data is far from perfect.
The turnover for commercial printing in Germany hovered around the €18 billion mark in recent years. 2019 results showed an increase to €18.6 billion, followed by a 15.4% drop to €15.74 billion in 2020. The number of persons employed stayed fairly stable at around 140,000 since 2015. A 4% decline in employment in 2020 was nowhere near as severe as the drop in turnover.
Turnover and Employment in the German Printing Industry
Source: Eurostat 2022 and digitalprintexpert.de
Overall, the printing industry in Germany accounts for 22.4% of the total European printing industry, with the number of persons employed remaining slightly below that mark. Still, Germany accounts for the largest number of employees in print in Europe as well.
Germany—Share of Turnover and Employment in Commercial Print in Europe, 2020
Source: Eurostat 2022 and digitalprintexpert.de
Based on Eurostat numbers for turnover and the number of employees in the printing industry, the average annual turnover per employee can be calculated. Germany’s turnover per employee, at €126,823, is only slightly higher than the European average and hence ia surprisingly low, as the European average includes several countries with a very low turnover per employee. Most Western European countries have noticeably higher turnover. The employment number does include part-time employees and owners with a salary.
Germany—Average Turnover per Employee in Commercial Print in Europe, 2019
Source: Eurostat 2022 and digitalprintexpert.de
Please keep in mind that the data is based on Eurostat numbers for printing and related services (complemented by some estimates), which consists mainly of commercial and publishing printing, including prepress and finishing companies. That means that packaging, data center, direct mail print, or quick print/copy shops are not included or only on a limited basis. In-house print/CRD are not included at all. “Europe” in this series of articles includes the EU countries plus Norway, Switzerland, and the UK. If you have questions about sizing the European printing industry or need clarification please contact me at [email protected] .
This series on the turnover and employment development in commercial print in Europe will continue. Next time we will have a look at the printing industry in France.
