The first of a series of reports from Drupa being published ahead of the 2015 trade show in Düsseldorf shows that prices and margins in the global print industry remain low. However, the overall picture of operational issues was surprisingly upbeat despite market challenges.
Key data
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45% of respondents grew their revenues in 2013, although only 19% were able to grow profitably. 21% experienced a decline in revenues. |
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60% in the print supply chain said that the availability of credit remained unchanged in the last 12 months. |
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35% saw a decline in pricing and only 19% managed to increase their prices. |
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57% said that strong competition was the top constraint to growing their business, with lack of sales coming in second at 37%. |
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34% saw an increase in print employment, but 21% said that an inability to recruit the new skills they need is a challenge to business growth. |
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52% reported an increase in the number of print jobs, although results vary by geographic region. |
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45% reported reducing run lengths and shorter lead times. |
Additional facts
- Most companies saw growth in conventional print volumes as well as strengthening demand for digital print production.
- Very few companies saw a decline in print volume.
- Finding new customers remains a significant business challenge, as well as finding good sales staff — particularly those who can sell the industry’s latest digital print and media services effectively.
- Despite a significant decline in print companies in recent years, there is still a downward price pressure coupled with either overcapacity or the wrong capacity to meet demands.
The Drupa Global Trends report is based on a questionnaire that was completed by 2425 senior decision makers in print and related industries (1419 printers; 498 suppliers; 508 print purchasers). The report includes information and statistics on economic and market developments, as well as business and technology investment trends. It is available here.
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