Data Analysis

Commercial Printing Establishments—2010–2022

Published: December 20, 2024

According to the latest, recently released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 15,430 establishments in NAICS 323111 (Commercial Printing except Screen and Books). This represents a decline of 30% since 2010. In macro news, Q3 GDP growth revised up to 3.1%. Full Analysis

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—The Netherlands

Published: December 17, 2024

This ongoing series of short articles provides some country details on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country, especially tracking the number of printing establishments. This time we look at the Netherlands. Full Analysis

October Shipments: Pinch Us, We’re Dreaming

Published: December 13, 2024

October 2024 shipments came in at $8.19 billion, up quite substantially from September’s $7.69 billion—the fourth straight monthly increase, and the third best October in the past five years. Full Analysis

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Italy

Published: December 10, 2024

This ongoing series of short articles provides some country details on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country, in particular, tracking the number of printing establishments. This time we look at Italy. Full Analysis

Keypoint Intelligence Forecast Conveys Growth Patterns, Technology Shifts, and Market Opportunities in the Wide-Format Industry

Published: December 9, 2024

In 2024, Keypoint Intelligence released an updated forecast for the 2023–2028 wide format printing industry. The report examines key areas of growth and identifies emerging technologies poised to shape the future of the wide format sector. This article highlights the most in-demand wide-format applications currently driving the market and uncovers the rising adoption of workflow automation, revealing significant opportunities within the automation software landscape. Full Analysis

Printing Establishments—2010–2022

Published: December 6, 2024

According to the latest, just-released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 21,615 establishments in NAICS 32311 (Printing). This represents a decrease of 20% since 2010, but (checks notes) an increase of 0.4% from 2021. In macro news, highlights from the most recent Federal Reserve “Beige Book.” Full Analysis

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Ireland

Published: December 2, 2024

This bi-weekly series of short articles provides some country details on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country, especially tracking the number of printing establishments. This time we look at Ireland. Full Analysis

October Graphic Arts Employment Remains Generally Flat

Published: November 22, 2024

Net printing employment in October 2024 was not much changed from September—overall employment was up slightly by 0.4%, with production employment up 1.1% and non-production employment down 1.2%, one nearly offsetting the other. Full Analysis

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Hungary

Published: November 19, 2024

This bi-weekly series of short articles provides some country details on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country, especially tracking the number of printing establishments. This time we look at Hungary. Full Analysis

Printing Establishments—2010–2022

Published: November 15, 2024

According to the latest, just-released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 22,651 establishments in NAICS 323 (Printing and Related Support Activities). This represents a decline of 22% since 2010—but (but!) a slight (slight!) increase in establishments from 2021. In macro news, inflation is still fairly under control. Full Analysis

September Shipments: No Fall This Autumn

Published: November 8, 2024

September 2024 shipments came in at $7.67 billion, up ever so slightly from August’s $7.66 billion—the third straight monthly increase. Sure, it’s a small increase, but we’ll take what we can get. Full Analysis

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Greece

Published: November 5, 2024

This bi-weekly series of short articles provides details on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country, especially tracking the number of printing establishments. This time we look at Greece. Full Analysis

Tales from the Database: Packing it In

Published: November 1, 2024

Drawing on six years’ worth of Print Business Outlook surveys, our “Tales from the Database” series looks at historical data to see if we can spot any particular hardware, software, or business trends. This issue is in part devoted to labels and packaging, so we delve into the data to gauge print businesses’ interest in adding packaging capabilities. Full Analysis

September Graphic Arts Employment Remains Fairly Flat

Published: October 25, 2024

Overall printing employment in September 2024 was not much changed from August with production employment down 0.2% and non-production employment up 0.5%. Full Analysis

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Germany

Published: October 22, 2024

This continuing series of short articles provides some country details on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country, especially tracking the number of printing establishments. This time we look at Germany. Full Analysis

Outdoor Advertising Establishments—2010–2021

Published: October 18, 2024

According to County Business Patterns, in 2010, there were 2,378 establishments in NAICS 54185 (Outdoor Advertising). This NAICS actually grew post-Great Recession, with a slight decline mid-decade before climbing back up to 2,765 establishments in 2018. 2019 saw a massive drop in establishments, but it has climbed back up to 2,532 establishments in 2021. In macro news: retail sales increased in September. Full Analysis

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—France

Published: October 15, 2024

This bi-weekly series of short articles provides details on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country, specifically tracking the number of printing establishments. This time we look at France. Full Analysis

August Shipments Indeed

Published: October 11, 2024

August 2024 shipments came in at $7.68 billion, up from July’s $7.44 billion—the second straight monthly increase. Full Analysis

Keypoint Intelligence Study Reveals Top Challenges and Strategies for High-Volume Apparel Decorators in 2024

Published: October 4, 2024

In 2024, Keypoint Intelligence conducted an in-depth study examining the operations of high-volume apparel decorators across the globe. The report explores various printing technologies, including Screen Printing, Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing, Hybrid Printing, and Dye Sublimation. This article highlights the top challenges faced by decorators using these technologies and discusses key strategies used to overcome them. Full Analysis

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Finland

Published: October 1, 2024

This bi-weekly series of short articles provides some country details on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country, specifically, tracking the number of printing establishments. This time we look at Finland. Full Analysis

Sign Manufacturing Establishments—2010–2021

Published: September 27, 2024

According to County Business Patterns, in 2010, there were 5,824 establishments in NAICS 33995 (Sign Manufacturing). This NAICS category tumbled in the wake of the Great Recession, ultimately climbing back up to 5,865 establishments in 2019, but dipping a little in 2020, and then back up to 5,814 in 2021. In macro news: BEA leaves Q2 GDP growth unchanged at 3.0%. Full Analysis

July Graphic Arts Employment Was Flat Virtually Across the Board

Published: September 20, 2024

Overall printing employment in July 2024 was down slightly in July with production employment down 0.6% and non-production employment up 0.4%. Full Analysis

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Denmark

Published: September 17, 2024

This bi-weekly series of short articles provides some country details on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country, especially tracking the number of printing establishments. This time we look at Denmark. Full Analysis

All Other Converted Paper Product Manufacturing Establishments—2010–2021

Published: September 13, 2024

According to County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 358 establishments in NAICS 322299 (All Other Converted Paper Product Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease in establishments of -22% since 2010. In macro news, inflation was virtually flat in August. Full Analysis

June Shipments: An Unpleasant Surprise

Published: September 6, 2024

June 2024 shipments came in at $7.22 billion, down from May’s $7.42 billion—an unexpected and unwelcome drop. Full Analysis

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Czechia

Published: September 3, 2024

This bi-weekly series of short articles provides some country details on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country, especially tracking the number of printing establishments. This time we look at Czechia. Full Analysis

Sanitary Paper Product Manufacturing Establishments—2010–2021

Published: August 30, 2024

According to County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 126 establishments in NAICS 322291 (Sanitary Paper Product Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease in establishments of 11% since 2010. In macro news, the American Institute of Architects’ Architecture Billings Index (ABI) indicates that billings have declined for the 18th consecutive month. Full Analysis

Tales from the Database: Technology Outlook

Published: August 23, 2024

Drawing on six years’ worth of Print Business Outlook surveys, our “Tales from the Database” series looks at historical data to see if we can spot any particular hardware, software or business trends. This installment rounds up some technology outlook-related challenges and investments, as well as our periodic question about the extent to which print businesses are looking to expand into new product areas. Full Analysis

May Shipments: Another Pleasant Surprise

Published: August 16, 2024

May 2024 shipments came in at $7.43 billion, up from April’s $7.35 billion—continuing an unexpected but welcome rebound. Full Analysis

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Croatia

Published: August 12, 2024

This bi-weekly series of short articles provides some country details on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country, especially tracking the number of printing establishments. This time we look at Croatia. Full Analysis

Other Converted Paper Product Manufacturing Establishments—2010–2020

Published: August 9, 2024

According to County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 484 establishments in NAICS 32229 (Other Converted Paper Product Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease in establishments of -20% since 2010. In macro news, the July jobs report may have been below expectations, but other economic indicators are still strong. Full Analysis

Sign Non-Production and PR Firms Win June Graphic Arts Employment Report

Published: August 2, 2024

Overall printing employment in June 2024 was generally unchanged—up 0.1% from May—with production employment up 0.8% and non-production employment down 1.5%. Full Analysis

Enhancing Direct Mail: The Impact of Personalization and Specialty Print in a Digital Era

Published: August 1, 2024

A recent study of print demand in key vertical industries found the transition to digital is undeniable, but direct mail remains a vital component of modern messaging campaigns. This article explores how personalization and specialty print can further increase the effectiveness of direct mail. Full Analysis

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Bulgaria

Published: July 30, 2024

This bi-weekly series of short articles provides some country details on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country, especially tracking the number of printing establishments. This time we look at Bulgaria. Full Analysis

Stationery Product Manufacturing—2010–2021

Published: July 26, 2024

According to County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 318 establishments in NAICS 32223 (Stationery Product Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease in establishments of -36% since 2010. In macro news, June inflation was practically 0. Full Analysis

Sizing the Printing Industry in Europe—Belgium

Published: July 23, 2024

This bi-weekly series of short articles provides some country details on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country, especially tracking the number of printing establishments. This time we look at Belgium. Full Analysis

April Shipments: A Pleasant Surprise

Published: July 19, 2024

April 2024 shipments came in at $7.30 billion, up from March’s $7.24 billion—an unexpected but welcome rebound. Full Analysis

Artificial Intelligence and What It Means for Marketers

Published: July 12, 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) significantly impacts marketing by improving customer experience and campaign effectiveness. This article explores AI's current influence and potential future impact on marketers. Discover how AI applications like static image recognition, tagging, and cyberattack prevention are transforming the marketing landscape. Arm yourself with the best data available and learn how to successfully leverage AI. Full Analysis

Sizing the Printing Industry in Europe—Austria

Published: July 8, 2024

This bi-weekly series of short articles provides some country details on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country, especially tracking the number of printing establishments. This time we look at Austria. Full Analysis

Paper Bag and Coated and Treated Paper Manufacturing—2010–2021

Published: June 28, 2024

According to County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 276 establishments in NAICS 32222 (Paper Bag and Coated and Treated Paper Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease in establishments of -13% since 2010. In macro news, Q1 GDP revised up to 1.4%. Full Analysis

Q1 Industry Profits: The Two Cities Become One (and Not a Good One)

Published: June 21, 2024

Quarter-over-quarter profit margin data can be fairly noisy but had been on a general upward trend since the trough of the pandemic—although we had another crash in Q4 2023, which is proving difficult to climb out of. Full Analysis

Sizing the European Print Industry

Published: June 18, 2024

Kicking off a regular series of country-by-country analyses, European section editor Ralf Schlözer looks at the demographics of the printing industry in Europe as a whole—identifying revenue, employment, and the number of establishments. Full Analysis

Other Paperboard Container Manufacturing Establishments—2010–2021

Published: June 14, 2024

According to County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 276 establishments in NAICS 322219 (Other Paperboard Container Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease in establishments of -21% since 2010. In macro news, inflation was virtually unchanged in May. Full Analysis

Vertical Market Research from Keypoint Intelligence Uncovers Key Industry Trends

Published: June 10, 2024

In late 2023, Keypoint Intelligence completed a comprehensive multi-client study to gain a better understanding of how print demand is changing in key vertical industries. The vertical industries that were covered in depth include education, finance/banking, healthcare, hospitality, insurance, manufacturing, retail, and publishing. Full Analysis

Tales from the Database: Finishing Up

Published: June 7, 2024

Drawing on six years’ worth of Print Business Outlook surveys, our “Tales from the Database” series looks at historical data to see if we can spot any particular hardware, software or business trends. This issue, we turn our attention to various aspects of finishing, including mailing and embellishments. Full Analysis

April Graphic Arts Employment A Mixed Bag

Published: May 31, 2024

Overall printing employment in April 2024 was generally up—+0.5% from March—with production employment up +1.3% and non-production employment down +1.4%. Full Analysis

Folding Paperboard Box Manufacturing—2010–2021

Published: May 24, 2024

According to County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 578 establishments in NAICS 322212 (Folding Paperboard Box Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease of 18% since 2010. In macro news,inflation in April eased a bit. Full Analysis

March Shipments: We Got Good News and Bad News

Published: May 17, 2024

March 2024 shipments came in at $7.24 billion, up from February’s $7.04 billion—and yet the worst March the industry has had. Full Analysis

Paperboard Container Manufacturing Establishments—2010–2021

Published: May 10, 2024

According to County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 1,895 establishments in NAICS 32221 (Paperboard Container Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease of 15% since 2010. In macro news, early Q2 GDP predictions are bullish. Full Analysis

March Graphic Arts Employment A Mixed Bag

Published: May 3, 2024

Overall printing employment in March 2024 was generally up—+0.4% from February—with production employment down -0.2% and non-production employment up +1.5%. Full Analysis