Printing Industry Snapshot

A collection of regularly updated industry data about various measures of business activity. Continuously updated.

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Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Hungary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Internet Publishing and Broadcasting and Web Search Portal Establishments—2010–2021

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, Q1 GDP is much lower than expected. Full Analysis

February Shipments: Well, At Least It’s Seasonal

February 2024 shipments came in at $6.01 billion, down from January’s $7.04 billion—and right between February 2021 and 2022. Full Analysis

Assorted Publishing Establishments—2010–2021

According to County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 726 establishments in NAICS 511199 (All Other Publishing). This category saw a net decrease of 39% since 2010, although establishments spiked from 2020 to 2021. In macro news, estimates of Q1 GDP are running around +2%. Full Analysis

Tales from the Database: These Are Not the Applications You’re Looking For

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 specialty printing—or any printing beyond traditional offset or digital commercial work. Full Analysis

February Graphic Arts Employment Remains Generally Flat

Overall printing employment in February 2024 was little changed from January, with production employment down -1.0%, while non-production employment was down -0.6%, with net employment down -0.1%. Full Analysis

Greeting Card Publishing Establishments—2010–2021

According to the latest edition of County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 113 establishments in NAICS  511191 (Greeting Card Publishers). 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 increased in February. Full Analysis

January Shipments: Back to Normal?

January 2024 shipments came in at $7.04 billion, up from December’s $6.94 billion—and right between January 2021 and 2022. Full Analysis

“Other” Publishing Establishments—2010–2021

According to the latest edition of County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 839 establishments in NAICS 51119 (Other Publishers). This represents a net decrease of 18% since 2010, but a 26% increase in the past year. In macro news, Q4 GDP was revised down slightly. Full Analysis

December Shipments: Ending the Year on a Low Note

December 2023 shipments came in at $6.98 billion, down from November’s $7.24 billion—and, alas, the lowest of the year. Full Analysis

Directory and Mailing List Publishing Establishments—2010–2021

According to the latest edition of County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 548 establishments in NAICS 51114 (Directory and Mailing List Publishers). This represents a decrease of 67% since 2010. In macro news, retail sales dipped slightly in January. Full Analysis

January Graphic Arts Employment Generally Flat

Overall printing employment in January 2024 was unchanged from December, with production employment up 0.7%, while non-production employment was down -1.3%. Full Analysis

Tales from the Database: Looking at the Cloud from Both Sides

Drawing on eight years’ worth of Print Business Outlook surveys, our “Tales from the Database” series looks at historical data to see if we can glean any particular hardware, software, or business trends. This issue, we turn our attention to software—specifically, migration to the cloud. Full Analysis

Book Publishing Establishments—2010–2021

According to the latest edition of County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 2,386 establishments in NAICS 51113 (Book Publishing). Although this represents a decrease of 20% since 2010, establishments ticked up by 29 establishments in 2021. In macro news, Q4 GDP grew 3.3%. Full Analysis

November Shipments: Tis the Season…

November 2023 shipments came in at $7.24 billion, down from the year’s high of $7.76 billion a month earlier. Full Analysis

Periodical Publishing Establishments—2010–2021

According to the latest edition of County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 4,315 establishments in NAICS 51112 (Periodical Publishing). This represents a decrease of 40% since 2010. In macro news, December retail sales were up from November. Full Analysis

Turnover and Employment in Print in Europe—Croatia

This bi-weekly series of short articles aims to shed 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. In this final installment, we look at Croatia, which ranks at number 19 among the printing industries by turnover in Europe. Full Analysis