Data Analysis

Pre- and Postpress Establishments—2010–2023

Published: June 5, 2026

According to the latest edition of County Business Patterns, in 2023 there were 947 establishments in NAICS 32312 (Support Activities for Printing). This represents a decrease of 54% since 2010. In macro news, Q1 GDP growth was revised down to 1.6%. Full Analysis

Graphic Arts Employment in April Down Overall—Substantially Among Non-Production

Published: May 29, 2026

April 2026 saw printing industry employment overall generally flat, down 0.4% from March. And while production employment was up 0.6%, non-production employment was down by 2.5%—basically the reverse of what we saw in March. Full Analysis

10 Things PSPs Should Consider Before Adopting Robotics: What You Need to Know to Begin the Journey

Published: May 22, 2026

Labor shortages, production bottlenecks, and growing workflow complexity are forcing print service providers to take a closer look at robotics and automation. In this article, Keypoint Intelligence examines where robotics can deliver the greatest operational impact, the challenges PSPs should prepare for, and the practical steps companies can take to build a more efficient and stable production environment. Full Analysis

Book Printing Establishments—2010–2023

Published: May 15, 2026

According to the latest edition of County Business Patterns, in 2023 there were 360 establishments in NAICS 323117 (Books Printing). This represents a decrease of 33% since 2010—although establishments were up from 2021 to 2022. In macro news, inflation in April grew 3.8% year-over-year. Full Analysis

Well, This Isn’t Good: January Shipments Lower Than Expected

Published: May 8, 2026

2026 kicked off with January shipments coming in at $7.08 billion, down from December’s $7.19 billion. Not a very auspicious beginning to the year. Full Analysis

Screen Printing Establishments—2010–2023

Published: May 1, 2026

According to the latest edition of County Business Patterns, in 2023 there were 5,854 establishments in NAICS 323113 (Commercial Screen Printing). This represents an increase of 31% since 2010. In macro news, real GDP increased at an annual rate of 2.0% in Q1 2026 Full Analysis

Graphic Arts Employment in March Up Overall—Substantially Among Non-Production

Published: April 24, 2026

March 2026 saw printing industry employment overall generally flat, up 0.3% from February. And while production employment was down 0.8%, non-production employment was up by 2.9%. Full Analysis

Why Highly Targeted Communications Make Digital Print Essential to Modern Marketing

Published: April 17, 2026

In a world overwhelmed by digital noise and AI-generated content, print is standing out. It is building trust, creating impact, and driving stronger results. Our research shows, marketing print applications continue to grow, reinforcing the opportunity—but capturing it requires a shift in thinking. Learn how leading print professionals are shifting the way they sell print to deliver more value, stronger results, and lasting customer partnerships. Full Analysis

Commercial Printing Establishments—2010–2023

Published: April 10, 2026

According to the latest, recently released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2023 there were 15,140 establishments in NAICS 323111 (Commercial Printing except Screen and Books). This represents a decline of 31% since 2010. Full Analysis

December Printing Shipments Rallied to End the Year

Published: April 3, 2026

December 2025 shipments came in at $7.21 billion, a slight rebound from November’s abysmal $7.11 billion. Full Analysis

Printing Establishments—2010–2023

Published: March 27, 2026

According to the latest, just-released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2023 there were 21,354 establishments in NAICS 32311 (Printing). This represents a decrease of 21% since 2010. In macro news, 2025 Q4 GDP growth revised down to 0.7%. Full Analysis

Graphic Arts Employment in February Was Flat—Thankfully

Published: March 20, 2026

February 2026 saw printing industry employment increase a scant 0.1% from January, with production employment up 0.2% and non-production employment down by 0.1%. Full Analysis

Printing Establishments—2010–2023

Published: March 13, 2026

According to the latest edition of County Business Patterns, in 2023 there were 22,301 establishments in NAICS 323 (Printing and Related Support Activities). This represents a decline of 23% since 2010. In macro news, inflation is still reasonably under control...for now. Full Analysis

November Printing Shipments Were Nothing to Be Thankful For

Published: March 6, 2026

November 2025 shipments came in at $7.15 billion, a precipitous drop from October’s $8.08 billion. Full Analysis

Wide Format in 2026: How Technology Is Reshaping Competitive Advantage

Published: February 27, 2026

Wide-format printing no longer competes on capability alone. As production grows more complex and expectations rise, advantage depends on how deliberately technology and workflow are aligned to deliver consistent execution. This report explores automation, data, and AI shifts redefining efficiency and profitability in 2026. Full Analysis

Graphic Arts Employment Off to a Rough Start in 2026

Published: February 20, 2026

January 2026 saw printing industry employment decline 2.7% from December, with production employment down 1.8% and non-production employment down by 0.9%. Full Analysis

Labels & Packaging in 2026: Turning Insight into Direction

Published: February 13, 2026

The labels and packaging market is entering a phase where momentum alone is no longer enough. As digital print, software, and automation are judged more on performance than promise, technology and investment decisions are becoming more consequential. Keypoint Intelligence’s 2026 Labels & Packaging Predictions highlight the forces shaping this next phase, offering a clear view of how industry participants can turn insight into direction. Full Analysis

Outdoor Advertising Establishments—2010–2022

Published: February 6, 2026

According to County Business Patterns, in 2010, there were 2,378 establishments in NAICS 54185 (Outdoor Advertising). This NAICS 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 2,549 establishments in 2022. In macro news: Retail sales for November 2025 were up 0.6% from October, and up 3.3% year-over-year. Full Analysis

October Printing Shipments More Treat Than Trick

Published: January 30, 2026

October 2025 shipments came in at $8.00 billion, up from September’s $7.55 billion. Full Analysis

Sign Manufacturing Establishments—2010–2022

Published: January 23, 2026

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 an all-time high of 5,910 in 2022. In macro news: Q3 GDP grew at an annualized 4.4%. Full Analysis

Print, Digital, and Everything in Between

Published: January 16, 2026

Print isn’t fading away, and digital isn’t taking over the way many expected. New research from Keypoint Intelligence shows how customer behavior and regulatory realities are reshaping the communications landscape and challenging long-held assumptions about channel preference. Here we examine what that shift means for organizations working to modernize customer communications without losing trust. Full Analysis

All Other Converted Paper Product Manufacturing Establishments—2010–2022

Published: January 9, 2026

According to County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 364 establishments in NAICS 322299 (All Other Converted Paper Product Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease in establishments of -21% since 2010, although establishments grew slightly from 2021 to 2022. In macro news, inflation growth was virtually flat from September to November. Or was it? Full Analysis

Printing Shipments Rise In the Fall

Published: December 19, 2025

September 2025 shipments came in at $7.62 billion, up from August’s $7.40 billion. Full Analysis

Robotics in Production Print: A Turning Point for the Industry

Published: December 12, 2025

Robotics is reaching a tipping point in production print, moving from experimental to essential as shops look for answers to labor shortages, bottlenecks, and rising productivity demands. Yet new Keypoint Intelligence research shows that while interest is surging, buyers still want proof: real-world use cases, reliable performance, seamless workflow integration, and partners who understand print. This article explores why robotics adoption is accelerating, what’s holding some providers back, and how your peers are evaluating the next wave of automation. If you're considering robotics—or questioning whether the industry is truly ready—this is the insight you need. Full Analysis

Graphic Arts Employment Flat to Down Slightly in September

Published: December 5, 2025

Net printing employment in September 2025 saw printing industry employment decline 0.3% from August—overall, production employment was down 0.6% and non-production employment was up by 0.2%. Full Analysis

Sanitary Paper Product Manufacturing Establishments—2010–2022

Published: November 21, 2025

According to County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 132 establishments in NAICS 322291 (Sanitary Paper Product Manufacturing). This category had been seeing a net decrease in establishments since 2010, but the post-COVID period saw an increase in establishments. In macro news, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Architecture Billings Index (ABI) found demand for new commercial construction projects to be stagnant. Full Analysis

Shipments for August Are Up

Published: November 14, 2025

…in Canada. As we wait for US data to start being released, let us take an overdue look at Canadian printing shipments. Full Analysis

Other Converted Paper Product Manufacturing Establishments—2010–2022

Published: November 7, 2025

According to County Business Patterns, in 2022, there were 496 establishments in NAICS 32229 (Other Converted Paper Product Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease in establishments of -18% since 2010, but saw an increase since 2021. In macro news, um…uh…aha! ADP employment data! Full Analysis

Seeing What’s Holding You Back: How Visibility and Automation Boost Profits

Published: November 3, 2025

Every print operation wants stronger performance from its existing equipment, yet many don’t realize how much untapped potential sits on their production floor. Without clear visibility into day-to-day press activity, it’s easy to miss where time and profit slip away. This piece from Keypoint Intelligence explores how better data insight and smart automation can help print providers capture that hidden value and turn efficiency into growth. Full Analysis

Graphic Arts Employment Down Slightly in August

Published: October 31, 2025

Net printing employment in August 2025 saw printing industry employment decline 0.3% from July—overall, production employment was down 0.9% and non-production employment was up by 0.8%. Full Analysis

Stationery Product Manufacturing Establishments—2010–2022

Published: October 24, 2025

According to County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 317 establishments in NAICS 32223 (Stationery Product Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease in establishments of 36% since 2010. In macro news, what have we missed? Full Analysis

July Printing Shipments Rise Slightly

Published: October 17, 2025

July 2025 shipments came in at $7.41 billion, a very slight increase from June’s $7.36 billion. Full Analysis

The Packaging Floor Has Changed. Has Yours?

Published: October 10, 2025

The packaging floor doesn’t look like it used to. Shorter runs, faster turnarounds, personalization, labor shortages, and sustainability mandates are reshaping how converters operate. Digital print is no longer optional—it’s becoming essential for agility, customer retention, and growth. The diagram below shows digital’s progression in folding carton: it has established an entry position (phase 1) and is expected to gain share from analog technologies like offset as performance and cost improve. In this article, Keypoint Intelligence explores how digital print delivers speed, flexibility, and responsiveness—giving adopters a competitive edge in meeting today’s evolving packaging demands. Full Analysis

Q2 2025 Publishing and Advertising Revenues

Published: October 3, 2025

Publishing had a rough time during the pandemic, although all three publishing segments—especially books—saw a rebound afterwards, with a leveling off as revenues returned to trend. Advertising in general has been on a steep rise. Full Analysis

Paper Bag and Coated and Treated Paper Manufacturing—2010–2022

Published: September 26, 2025

According to County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 708 establishments in NAICS 32222 (Paper Bag and Coated and Treated Paper Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease in establishments of -14% since 2010. In macro news, Q2 GDP growth was revised up to 3.8%. Full Analysis

From Digital Fatigue to Print Power: Rebalancing the Marketing Plan

Published: September 19, 2025

In recent years, marketers have been shifting their budgets into digital channels. But as inboxes overflow, internet displays are ignored, and cookies disappear, a familiar/traditional option is gaining new relevance: direct mail. Keypoint Intelligence shares highlights from its US Digital Production Printing Application Forecast (2024–2029). Full Analysis

Graphic Arts Employment Down in July

Published: September 12, 2025

Net printing employment in July 2025 saw printing industry employment decline 0.9% from June—overall, production employment was down 0.9% and non-production employment also down by 0.9%. Full Analysis

Other Paperboard Container Manufacturing Establishments—2012–2022

Published: September 5, 2025

According to County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 266 establishments in NAICS 322219 (Other Paperboard Container Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease in establishments of -24% since 2012. In macro news, Q2 GDP growth was revised up. Full Analysis

June Printing Shipments Dip Slightly

Published: August 29, 2025

June 2025 shipments came in at $7.33 billion, down only very slightly from May’s $7.41 billion. Full Analysis

Folding Paperboard Box Manufacturing—2010–2022

Published: August 22, 2025

According to County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 567 establishments in NAICS 322212 (Folding Paperboard Box Manufacturing). This category saw a net increase of 15% since 2010. In macro news,inflation is creeping up. Full Analysis

Beyond the Big Shops: What’s Driving Wide-Format Printing

Published: August 15, 2025

While industry headlines often spotlight the largest players, it’s the small and mid-sized print service providers that are quietly reshaping wide-format printing. Operating with lean teams and tight footprints, these businesses are driving growth through fast service, niche applications, and smart investments. Keypoint Intelligence’s latest study, Beyond the Big Shops, uncovers how they’re doing it and why vendors should be paying attention. Full Analysis

Paperboard Container Manufacturing Establishments—2010–2022

Published: August 8, 2025

According to County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 1,885 establishments in NAICS 32221 (Paperboard Container Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease of 15% since 2010. In macro news,checking in with Calculated Risk’s “Recession Watch.” Full Analysis

May Printing Shipments: Slipping a Bit

Published: August 1, 2025

May 2025 shipments came in at $7.35 billion, down slightly from April’s $7.38 billion, an atypical May decline. Full Analysis

Internet Publishing and Broadcasting and Web Search Portal Establishments—2010–2022

Published: July 25, 2025

According to County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 9,180 establishments in NAICS 51913 (Internet Publishing and Broadcasting and Web Search Portals). This category saw a net increase of 70% since 2010, but a 4% drop from the previous year. In macro news, ihe AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index indicated that demand for architectural design services continues to be relatively sluggish, which will impact the demand for new signage projects. Full Analysis

Graphic Arts Employment Remains Generally Flat in May

Published: July 18, 2025

Net printing employment in May 2025 saw printing industry employment stay relatively flat (on net) from April—overall, production employment was down 0.5% and non-production employment up by 0.6%. Full Analysis

Survey Says: Print Service Providers Are Ready for Robots

Published: July 11, 2025

New data from Keypoint Intelligence shows rising interest in robotics among in-plant providers, fueled by labor shortages and new automation tech. What once felt like science fiction is now a strategic necessity—and this article reveals where robots are making the biggest impact and what PSPs need to know to stay competitive. Full Analysis

Assorted Publishing Establishments—2010–2022

Published: June 27, 2025

According to County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 1,321 establishments in NAICS 511199 (All Other Publishing). This category had been seeing a gradual decrease throughout the 2010s, but establishments shot up from 2020 to 2021, and then spiked 82% from 2021 to 2022. What?! In macro news, Q1 GDP growth revised down to -0.5%. Full Analysis

April Printing Shipments: We’re Gonna Call Them Flat

Published: June 20, 2025

April 2025 shipments came in at $7.35 billion, down slightly from March’s $7.36 billion, but still better than February, which isn’t saying much. Full Analysis

Greeting Card Publishing Establishments—2010–2022

Published: June 13, 2025

According to the latest edition of County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 113 establishments in NAICS 511191 (Greeting Card Publishers)—unchanged from 2021. Although this represents a net increase of 10% since 2010, it has been a category that has ebbed and flowed over the course of the decade, although we’re not talking about a tremendous number of establishments. In macro news, inflation in May increased 0.1%. Full Analysis

Where Print Fits in the Modern Communication Landscape

Published: June 6, 2025

In an age of digital saturation, print’s role in marketing is shifting from routine to strategic. This article explores how print, when used strategically, doesn’t just stand out. It strengthens digital campaigns, boosts engagement, and drives results. Whether you’re a PSP, marketer, or strategist, this is a fresh look at where print fits now and why it still matters. Full Analysis