Data Analysis

Paperboard Container Shipments Back up to Pandemic Levels

Published: June 2, 2023

In March 2023, the value of shipments of paperboard containers was $6.361 billion, the highest it has been since August 2022. Full Analysis

Paper Bag and Coated and Treated Paper Manufacturing Establishments—2010–2020

Published: May 26, 2023

According to County Business Patterns, in 2020 there were 723 establishments in NAICS 32222 (Paper Bag and Coated and Treated Paper Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease in establishments of -12% since 2010. In macro news, the Architecture Billings Index suggests a recovery from the slowdown in the construction industry. Full Analysis

April Printing Production Employment Down Slightly, Non-Production Up

Published: May 19, 2023

Overall printing employment in April 2023 was down -0.2% from March. Production employment was down -0.8% while non-production employment was up 1.1%. Full Analysis

Turnover and Employment in Print in Europe—Poland

Published: May 15, 2023

This bi-weekly series of short articles aims at shedding a spotlight on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country and how revenues and employment developed in 2020, when the pandemic impacted businesses. This time we look at Poland, the sixth-largest printing industry by turnover in Europe and the largest in Central and Eastern Europe. Full Analysis

Other Paperboard Container Manufacturing Establishments—2010–2020

Published: May 12, 2023

According to County Business Patterns, in 2020 there were 278 establishments in NAICS 322219 (Other Paperboard Container Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease in establishments of -20% since 2010. In macro news, inflation is slowing but still high. Full Analysis

March Shipments Maintain Seasonality—Make of That What You Will

Published: May 5, 2023

March 2023 printing shipments came in at $7.18 billion, up from February’s $6.46 billion and in line with annual seasonality—even if it is below the previous two Marches. Full Analysis

Turnover and Employment in Print in Europe—Sweden

Published: May 1, 2023

This bi-weekly series of short articles aims at shedding a spotlight on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country and how revenues and employment developed in 2020, when the pandemic impacted businesses. This time we look at Sweden, the 12th-largest printing industry by turnover in Europe. Full Analysis

Folding Paperboard Box Manufacturing Establishments—2010–2020

Published: April 28, 2023

According to County Business Patterns, in 2020 there were 546 establishments in NAICS 322212 (Folded Paperboard Box Manufacturing). This category saw a net increase in establishments of 11% since 2010. In macro news, Q1 2023 GDP shows third straight quarter of growth. Full Analysis

February Printing Employment Essentially Flat

Published: April 21, 2023

Overall printing employment in February 2023 was up 0.3% from January. Production employment was up 0.1% while non-production employment was up 0.7%. Full Analysis

Turnover and Employment in Print in Europe—Belgium

Published: April 17, 2023

This bi-weekly series of short articles aims at shedding a spotlight on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country and how revenues and employment developed in 2020, when the pandemic impacted businesses. This time we look at Belgium, the ninth-largest printing industry by turnover in Europe. Full Analysis

Tales from the Database: Beyond Commercial

Published: April 14, 2023

The latest installment in our “Tales from the Database” series looks at historical opportunities and investments related to adding not only things like wide-format printing and textile printing capabilities, but also packaging as well as other types of specialty printing. Full Analysis

Corrugated and Solid Fiber Box Manufacturing Establishments—2010–2020

Published: March 31, 2023

According to County Business Patterns, in 2020 there were 1,086 establishments in NAICS 322211 (Corrugated and Solid Fiber Box Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease of 20% since 2010. In macro news, Q4 GDP was revised down. Full Analysis

Kicking Off 2023: Best Shipments Since 2020

Published: March 24, 2023

January 2023 printing shipments came in at $6.67 billion, the best start to a year since 2020. Full Analysis

Turnover and Employment in Print in Europe—The Netherlands

Published: March 21, 2023

This bi-weekly series of short articles aims at shedding a spotlight on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country and how revenues and employment developed in 2020, when the pandemic impacted businesses. This time we look at the Netherlands, the seventh largest printing industry by turnover in Europe. Full Analysis

Paperboard Container Manufacturing Establishments—2010–2020

Published: March 17, 2023

According to County Business Patterns, in 2020 there were 1,910 establishments in NAICS 32221 (Paperboard Container Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease of 13% since 2010. In macro news,inflation is sort of moving sideways. Full Analysis

January Production Employment Down

Published: March 10, 2023

Overall printing employment in January 2023 was down -1.7% from December, due entirely to a -4.2% drop in production employment, as non-production employment was up +4.1%. Full Analysis

Print Turnover and Employment in Europe—Spain

Published: March 6, 2023

This bi-weekly series of short articles aims at shedding a spotlight on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country and how revenues and employment developed in 2020, when the pandemic impacted businesses. This time we look at Spain, the fifth largest printing industry by turnover in Europe. Full Analysis

Internet Publishing and Broadcasting and Web Search Portal Establishments—2010–2020

Published: March 3, 2023

According to County Business Patterns, in 2020 there were 8,947 establishments in NAICS 51913 (Internet Publishing and Broadcasting and Web Search Portals). This category saw a net increase of 66% since 2010. In macro news, early forecasts of Q1 GDP are running slightly bearish to slightly bullish. Full Analysis

Hooray! 2022 Shipments Outpaced 2021

Published: February 24, 2023

December 2022 printing shipments came in at $6.97 billion, down from November’s $7.10 billion. But January-to-December shipments for 2022 came in at $83.47 billion, an improvement over 2021’s $82.05 billion. Full Analysis

Assorted Publishing Establishments—2010–2020

Published: February 17, 2023

According to County Business Patterns, in 2020 there were 557 establishments in NAICS 511199 (All Other Publishing). This category saw a net decrease of 39% since 2010, , although we’re not talking about a tremendous number of establishments. In macro news, inflation appears to have peaked. Full Analysis

Turnover and Employment in Print in Europe—UK

Published: February 14, 2023

This bi-weekly series of short articles aims at shedding a spotlight on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country and how revenues and employment developed in 2020, when the pandemic impacted businesses. This time we look at the UK, the second-largest printing industry by turnover in Europe. Full Analysis

Tales from the Database: Software

Published: February 10, 2023

In our January/February 2023 print edition, we are launching a new series called “Tales from the Database,” drawing on six years’ worth of Print Business Outlook surveys. In every survey, we ask a broad cross-section of print businesses about business conditions, business challenges, new business opportunities, and planned investments. January/February is the software issue, so we rounded up a few software-related challenges, opportunities, and investments to see what the historical data can tell us. Full Analysis

Graphic Arts Employment Flat or Declining in December

Published: February 3, 2023

Overall printing employment was essentially flat in December 2022, being down -0.1% from November, and essentially unchanged from December 2021. Production employment was up +0.4% while non-production employment was down -1.1% from November. Full Analysis

Greeting Card Publishing Establishments—2010–2020

Published: January 27, 2023

According to County Business Patterns, in 2020 there were 107 establishments in NAICS 511191 (Greeting Card Publishing). Although this represents a net increase of 4% 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, real GDP increased 2.9% annualized in Q4. Full Analysis

Turnover and Employment in Print in Europe—France

Published: January 24, 2023

This bi-weekly series of short articles aims at shedding a spotlight on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country and how revenues and employment developed in 2020, when the pandemic impacted the businesses. This time we look at France, the fourth-largest printing industry by turnover in Europe. Full Analysis

November 2022 Shipments Drop—But That’s Normal!

Published: January 20, 2023

November 2022 shipments came in at $7.16 billion, down from the year’s high of $7.48 billion in October. This should not be cause for concern, as business always drops in November and December as things slow down for the holidays. Full Analysis

Other Publishing Establishments—2010–2020

Published: January 13, 2023

According to County Business Patterns, in 2020 there were 664 establishments in NAICS 51119 (Other Publishing). This represents a decrease of 35% since 2010. In macro news, what’s behind the employee shortages? Full Analysis

Turnover and Employment in Print in Europe—Italy

Published: January 10, 2023

This bi-weekly series of short articles aims at shedding a spotlight on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country and how revenues and employment developed in 2020, when the pandemic hit the market. This time we look at Italy, the third-largest printing industry by turnover in Europe. Full Analysis

Graphic Arts Employment Essentially Flat in November

Published: January 6, 2023

In November 2022, all printing employment was up +0.1% from October. Production employment was up +0.7% and non-production employment was down -1.2%. Full Analysis

Have a Little Holiday Cheer/October Shipments the Highest All Year

Published: December 16, 2022

October 2022 shipments came in at $7.48 billion, up from September’s $7.32 billion—the best month of the year for the industry. Full Analysis

Directory and Mailing List Publishing Establishments—2010–2020

Published: December 9, 2022

According to the latest edition of County Business Patterns, in 2020 there were 594 establishments in NAICS 51114 (Directory and Mailing List Publishers). This represents a decrease of 64% since 2010. In macro news, estimates for Q4 GDP are in the +1.4%–3.4% range. Full Analysis

Turnover and Employment in Print in Europe—Germany

Published: December 6, 2022

This bi-weekly series of short articles aims at shedding a spotlight on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country and how revenues and employment developed in 2020, when the pandemic hit the market. Kicking off the series is Germany, the largest printing industry by turnover in Europe. Full Analysis

September Printing Shipments—The High Before the Holidays

Published: December 2, 2022

September 2022 shipments came in at $7.20 billion, up a little from August’s $7.17 billion—reflecting a return to the industry’s regular seasonality. Could we be back to normal? Full Analysis

Book Publishing Establishments—2010–2020

Published: November 18, 2022

According to the latest edition of County Business Patterns, in 2020 there were 2,357 establishments in NAICS 51113 (Book Publishing). This represents a decrease of 21% since 2010. In macro news, October retail sales were up. Full Analysis

Printing Outlook 2023 Sneak Peek: Business Conditions Slipped in 2022

Published: November 11, 2022

Our preliminary Fall Print Business Survey results are in and our Business Conditions Index dropped slightly from 2021. Last year marked a rebound from the plummeting conditions in 2020, and 2022 likely represents a move toward stability. Full Analysis

Periodical Publishing Establishments—2010–2020

Published: November 4, 2022

According to the latest edition of County Business Patterns, in 2020 there were 4,519 establishments in NAICS 51112 (Periodical Publishing). This represents a decrease of 37% since 2010. In macro news, actual Q3 GDP was strong. Full Analysis

Graphic Arts Employment Down Slightly in September

Published: October 28, 2022

In September 2022, all printing employment was down -1.3% from August. Production employment was down -1.9% and non-production employment was down -0.1%. Full Analysis

Sizing the European Printing Industry

Published: October 25, 2022

European section editor Ralf Schlözer rounds up the latest data on European and UK printing industry establishments, revenues, and production volumes. Full Analysis

Newspaper Publishing Establishments—2010–2020

Published: October 21, 2022

According to the latest, recently released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2020 there were 6,567 establishments in NAICS 51111 (Newspaper Publishing). This represents a decrease of 16% since 2010. In macro news, early estimates of Q3 GDP getting more bullish. Full Analysis

August August Printing Shipments

Published: October 14, 2022

August 2022 shipments came in at $7.16 billion, up quite a bit from July’s $6.67 billion—august business conditions indeed, and reflecting a return to the industry’s regular seasonality. Full Analysis

Publishing Establishments—2010–2020

Published: October 7, 2022

According to the latest, recently released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2020 there were 29,900 establishments in NAICS 511 (Publishing Industries [except Internet]). This represents an increase of 6% since 2010 and increase of 9% since 2016. In macro news, job openings were down 1.1 million in August while hires and separations (quits, dismissals, and layoffs) were generally unchanged. Full Analysis

Q2 Printing Profits: An End to the Tale of Two Cities?

Published: September 30, 2022

Printing industry profits plunged during the pandemic peak but rebounded strongly afterward. But after hitting a peak in Q3 of last year, we’re on a downward trend, with annualized profits for Q2 2022 coming in at $3.92 billion, down a tad from $4.68 billion in Q1 2022. Full Analysis

Pre- and Postpress Establishments—2010–2020

Published: September 23, 2022

According to the latest, recently released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2020 there were 1,168 establishments in NAICS 32312 (Support Activities for Printing). This represents a decrease of 44% since 2010. In macro news, AIA’s Architecture Billings Index (ABI) indicates that demand for design services accelerated in August, boding well for commercial real estate construction and thus signage projects. Full Analysis

Printing Shipments: July Takes a Tumble

Published: September 16, 2022

July 2022 shipments came in at $6.68 billion, down from June’s $6.98 billion, as the dog days of summer kicked in. Full Analysis

Book Printing Establishments—2010–2020

Published: September 9, 2022

According to the latest, recently released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2020 there were 379 establishments in NAICS 323117 (Books Printing). This represents a decrease of 29% since 2010. In macro news, highlights from the most recent Federal Reserve “Beige Book.” Full Analysis

Graphic Arts Employment Up Slightly in July

Published: September 2, 2022

In July 2022, all printing employment was up +0.7% from June. Production employment was up 0.2% and non-production employment was up 1.8%. Full Analysis

Screen Printing Establishments—2010–2020

Published: August 26, 2022

According to the latest, recently released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2020 there were 5,563 establishments in NAICS 323113 (Commercial Screen Printing). This represents an increase of 25% since 2010. In macro news, 2Q GDP revised up to -0.6%. Full Analysis

Printing Shipments: The Best June Since the Before Times

Published: August 19, 2022

June 2022 shipments came in at $6.98 billion, up a tad from May’s $6.96 billion. This is the best June the industry has had since 2019—although it’s well below that month’s $7.54 billion. Full Analysis

Commercial Printing Establishments—2010–2020

Published: August 12, 2022

According to the latest, recently released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2020 there were 16,283 establishments in NAICS 323111 (Commercial Printing except Screen and Books). This represents a decline of 26% since 2010. In macro news, inflation is flat! Full Analysis

June Graphic Arts Employment—The Production/Non-Production See Saw This Month Favors Non-Production Workers

Published: August 5, 2022

In June 2022, all printing employment was up +0.2% from May. This time, it was production employment that was down (-0.8%) and non-production employment that was up (+2.3%). Full Analysis