This section focuses on analyzing the structural change of the industry. As a service to the printing and publishing industries, WhatTheyThink provides access to economic, industry trends and other data that is valuable to industry executives for strategic planning and research purposes.
WhatTheyThink's Industry Data is supported by Keypoint Intelligence.
A collection of regularly updated industry data about various measures of business activity. Continuously updated.
The number of establishments in the US organized by NAICS (North American Industrial Classification System). Updated annually.
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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 2024 shipments came in at $7.68 billion, up from July’s $7.44 billion—the second straight monthly increase. Full Analysis
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
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
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
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
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
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 2024 shipments came in at $7.22 billion, down from May’s $7.42 billion—an unexpected and unwelcome drop. Full Analysis
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
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
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 2024 shipments came in at $7.43 billion, up from April’s $7.35 billion—continuing an unexpected but welcome rebound. Full Analysis
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 2024 shipments came in at $7.30 billion, up from March’s $7.24 billion—an unexpected but welcome rebound. Full Analysis
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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 2024 shipments came in at $6.01 billion, down from January’s $7.04 billion—and right between February 2021 and 2022. Full Analysis
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
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
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
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 2024 shipments came in at $7.04 billion, up from December’s $6.94 billion—and right between January 2021 and 2022. Full Analysis
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
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