Data 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

Graphic Arts Employment Generally Flat in April

Published: May 30, 2025

Net printing employment in April 2025 saw printing industry employment stay relatively flat (on net) from March—overall, production employment was up 0.4% and non-production employment down by 0.4%. Full Analysis

“Other” Publishing Establishments—2010–2022

Published: May 23, 2025

According to the latest edition of County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 1,434 establishments in NAICS 51119 (Other Publishers). This represents a net increase of 41% since 2010—and a 71% increase from the previous year. 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

March Printing Shipments: Whew!

Published: May 16, 2025

March 2025 shipments came in at $7.47 billion, up quite a bit from February’s utterly dismal $6.87 billion, and better than March 2024. Cold comfort, to be sure, but we’ll take what we can get. Full Analysis

Directory and Mailing List Publishing Establishments—2010–2022

Published: May 9, 2025

According to the latest edition of County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 526 establishments in NAICS 51114 (Directory and Mailing List Publishers). This represents a decrease of 68% since 2010. In macro news, in Q1 2025, GDP growth declined for the first time since 2022. Full Analysis

Graphic Arts Employment Down Modestly in February

Published: May 2, 2025

Net printing employment in February 2025 saw printing industry employment stay relatively stable from January—overall, production, and non-production employment were all down by 0.1%. Full Analysis

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—United Kingdom

Published: April 29, 2025

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 UK. Full Analysis

Beyond the Box: Digital Printing & Sustainability Reshaping Folding Cartons

Published: April 25, 2025

Everything is changing—markets, technology, and customer expectations—so why should folding cartons be any different? While demand remains steady, consumer preferences, regulatory changes, and supply chain evolution are in constant motion. The real story lies in how print-service providers, converters, and equipment manufacturers will need to adapt. Full Analysis

Book Publishing Establishments—2010–2022

Published: April 18, 2025

According to the latest edition of County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 2,440 establishments in NAICS 51113 (Book Publishing). Although this represents a decrease of 20% since 2010, establishments increased by 83 establishments in 2021 and 2022. In macro news, inflation decreased in March. Full Analysis

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Switzerland

Published: April 15, 2025

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 Switzerland. Full Analysis

January Shipments: Hitting the Reset Button

Published: April 11, 2025

January 2025 shipments came in at $7.31 billion, down slightly from December’s $7.34 billion—but still the second best start to the year since the pandemic. Full Analysis

Periodical Publishing Establishments—2010–2022

Published: April 4, 2025

According to the latest edition of County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 4,175 establishments in NAICS 51112 (Periodical Publishing). This represents a decrease of 42% since 2010. In macro news, Q4 GDP growth was revised up. Full Analysis

Q4 2024 Publishing and Advertising Revenues

Published: March 28, 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, and have been constantly reevaluating where they are spending their budgets. Full Analysis

Newspaper Publishing Establishments—2010–2022

Published: March 21, 2025

According to the latest, recently released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 6,096 establishments in NAICS 51111 (Newspaper Publishing). This represents a decrease of 22% since 2010. In macro news, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Architecture Billings Index (ABI) found demand for new commercial construction projects to be waning. Full Analysis

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Sweden

Published: March 17, 2025

This regular 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 Sweden. Full Analysis

Graphic Arts Employment Drops in January

Published: March 14, 2025

Net printing employment in January 2025 saw printing industry employment drop from December—overall employment was down slightly by 0.1%, with production employment down 0.4% and non-production employment down 2.3%. Full Analysis

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Spain

Published: March 11, 2025

This regular 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 Spain. Full Analysis

Publishing Establishments—2010–2022

Published: March 7, 2025

According to the latest, recently released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 32,109 establishments in NAICS 511 (Publishing Industries [except Internet]). This represents an increase of 14% since 2010 and increase of 4% since 2021. In macro news, the danger of early GDP estimates. Full Analysis

From SOP to AI-Powered Precision: The Evolution of Direct Marketing

Published: February 28, 2025

Direct marketing is going through a major shakeup. With artificial intelligence (AI) becoming smarter, businesses rethinking outsourcing, and digital channels taking center stage, companies must stay nimble to keep up. New research from Keypoint Intelligence’s 2024 North American Consumer Communication Business Survey uncovered some of the biggest shifts happening right now. From message creation to delivery, the SOP as we know it is unrecognizable. This article explores what’s changing and how businesses can adapt to make the most of these new opportunities. Full Analysis

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Slovenia

Published: February 24, 2025

This regular 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 Slovenia. Full Analysis

December Shipments: …And That’s the Year

Published: February 21, 2025

December 2024 shipments came in at $7.40 billion, down from November’s $7.28 billion—not a great November but at least better than last year. Full Analysis

Pre- and Postpress Establishments—2010–2022

Published: February 14, 2025

According to the latest edition of County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 1,036 establishments in NAICS 32312 (Support Activities for Printing). This represents a decrease of 50% since 2010. In macro news, inflation was up in January. Full Analysis

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Slovakia

Published: February 10, 2025

This regular 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 Slovakia. Full Analysis

December Graphic Arts Employment Again Remains Generally Flat

Published: February 7, 2025

Net printing employment in December 2024 was not much changed from November—overall employment was down slightly by 0.1%, with production employment up 0.4% and non-production employment down 1.2%. Full Analysis

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Romania

Published: February 3, 2025

This regular 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 Romania. Full Analysis

Book Printing Establishments—2010–2022

Published: January 31, 2025

According to the latest, recently released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 385 establishments in NAICS 323117 (Books Printing). This represents an decrease of 28% since 2010—although establishments were up from 2021 to 2022. In macro news, Q4 GDP was up 2.3%. Full Analysis

Keypoint Intelligence Study Highlights Global Production Software Revenue Growth Through 2028

Published: January 28, 2025

As the printing industry contends with rising material costs, faster turnaround demands, and a shrinking talent pool, efficient workflow software is more essential than ever. Keypoint Intelligence’s The 2023–2028 Production Software Forecast Report presents a focused look at the evolving global workflow software market. This article features the Global Production Software Revenue data, which illustrates key growth trends and provides an at-a-glance understanding of the market’s trajectory through 2028. Full Analysis

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Portugal

Published: January 27, 2025

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

November Shipments: Pride Goeth Before the Fall

Published: January 24, 2025

November 2024 shipments came in at $7.35 billion, down quite substantially from October’s $8.20 billion—the worst November in at least five years. Full Analysis

Screen Printing Establishments—2010–2022

Published: January 17, 2025

According to the latest, recently released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 5,800 establishments in NAICS 323113 (Commercial Screen Printing). This represents an increase of 30% since 2010. In macro news, inflation was up slightly in December. Full Analysis

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Poland

Published: January 13, 2025

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

November Graphic Arts Employment Again Remains Generally Flat

Published: January 10, 2025

Net printing employment in November 2024 was not much changed from October—overall employment was down slightly by 0.1%, with production employment down 0.3% and non-production employment up 0.4%, one nearly offsetting the other. Full Analysis

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Norway

Published: January 7, 2025

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