The most recent State of the Printing Industry found profitability remains a top concern, interest in AI is growing, and success requires using all tools.
Andrew D. Paparozzi
Commercial printing sales will grow 1.5% to 3% in 2024, with the odds of finishing below that range — because the economy slides into recession or sticky inflation forces higher interest rates — greater than the odds of finishing above it.
Fewer participants in the latest PRINTING United Alliance State of the Industry survey say their sales are growing, more report pre-tax profitability is declining, and nearly three-quarters feel credit conditions are tightening. Here is what to expect.
A new State of the Industry Survey shows how printers plan to strengthen margins this year by diversifying, increasing prices, selling more effectively, improving cost management, and making capital investments.
The survey confirms the crisis is getting worse. Respondents reported significant declines during the past 60 days in the availability of coated and uncoated paper, vinyl, plastics, inks and coatings, and more.
The supply chain crisis has affected the printing industry as deeply as any recession. Consequences range from rampant cost inflation to clients moving from print to electronic alternatives. How are printing companies responding? And how effective have their responses been?
Wide-format printers view 2022 with a mix of optimism and realism. They expect to grow and see opportunity in a broad range of products. But they also expect supply shortages and labor shortages.
While the challenges for printers in a post-COVID world are certainly present, companies continue to develop strategies for growth, including new sales approaches, capital expenditures, and deeper dives into digital technologies.
Recovery has begun for the printing industry. Sales are growing and confidence is on the rise, but operating cost inflation and labor shortages are squeezing margins. Those are primary conclusions of the second quarter 2021 Print Business Indicators Survey.
Confidence and quote activity have turned sharply higher, according to preliminary results of the first-quarter 2021 Print Business Indicators Survey. The gains reflect progress in controlling COVID-19 and the renewed vigor of the American economy.
The COVID crisis has changed business and consumer behavior in many ways. But which of the changes are temporary and which are permanent? Answering correctly is essential to participating in the recovery ahead.
It appears the numbers we’re seeing for the printing industry and the American economy will be revised up rather than down as we move into the new year. The bottom line: An upturn is coming. Let’s be ready for it.
Expect the printing industry to grow in 2021, boosted by a sharp upturn in the American economy. We can be sure, however, that the upcoming recovery will be selective, giving some companies a lift, while shutting others out.
The economic lockdown is easing. Businesses are reopening. There’s pent-up demand for all the things we haven’t been able to do or purchase in months. This is what can be expected when the economy begins its recovery.
COVID-19's effect on the economy has been profound. How this all plays out will depend on the economy’s underlying health and the effectiveness of support. Drawing on the resources of federal, state, and local agencies is important — there’s no reason to go it alone. Here are some suggestions for printers.
