11 May 2018

Better than expected Q1 for orders and output – tougher times ahead

BETTER THAN EXPECTED Q1 FOR OUTPUT AND ORDERS – TOUGHER TIMES AHEAD AS PRICING AND COST CONCERNS DAMPEN FORECASTS

The UK printing industry continues to defy its own forecasts as both output and orders displayed positive growth, above the expectations for Q1 – unfortunately the Q2 forecasts reveal that concerns remain.

The latest Printing Outlook survey shows 43% of printers increased output levels in the first quarter of 2018. A further 37% held output steady whilst 20% experienced a decline in output. The resulting balance (the difference between the ups and the downs) was +23; up on the forecast of +12 for Q1 and greater than the +19 recorded in Q4.

Whilst the Q4 period was notable for the absence of a seasonal boost, it seems that some of that trade may have carried into the first quarter. This is the first time for seven years that Q1 output has outperformed Q4.

In Printing Outlook this quarter:

• BPIF Brexit Barometers – to gauge and monitor confidence during Brexit negotiations and forecast conditions after Brexit.
• UK Printing and Packaging trends and forecasts – confidence, costs, pay reviews, capacity, productivity, margins, paper consumption, ink sales volumes, a new industry financial health analysis, insolvency statistics and more.
• Data, forecasts and commentary on the UK economy and the advertising sector.

Thanks again to all survey respondents for their participation, a concise survey has continued to encouraged a good response this quarter. 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.