15 May 2017

Better than expected start to 2017 - but costs are climbing

A better than expected start to 2017 for printing and packaging - output growth to continue in Q2 but costs are climbing.

2017 got off to a better than expected start as both output and orders outperformed expectations - growth is predicted to continue in Q2. The latest Printing Outlook survey shows 45% of printers increased output levels in the first quarter of 2017 - promising as Q1 often experiences a seasonal downturn following a traditionally busy Q4 period. A further 37% held output steady whilst 18% experienced a decline in output.

 Featured in Printing Outlook this quarter:

• The BPIF's new Brexit and Post-Brexit barometers.
• Costs - paper & board, ink, labour and energy.
• Pay Reviews - activity and average % changes.
• Investment - tracking intentions for major categories.
• Data on capacity, productivity, margins, access to finance, late payment and more.
• Consumables - paper consumption data and printing ink volumes and values.

Thanks to all survey respondents for their participation; sponsorship from Konica Minolta means all respondents will receive a printed copy of Printing Outlook. Please respond to the next survey in July to ensure that you receive your copy in the future.

The full Printing Outlook report is available as a free download to BPIF members using the 'More on Printing Outlook' web link below. There is also an unrestricted press release available on the download link below.