- 3.4 million staff were employed in 2024, a reduction of 12.7% from 3.9 million in 2019
- 353,707 facilities operating in 2024; down 7.9% from 384,102 in 2019
- Falling demand across print segments has led to the closure of many printing facilities
The printing industry is under pressure. Reduced demand for physical print and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty have shrunk the number of establishments and employees across the sector; and the pace of change shows no sign of slowing.
This report cuts through the complexity. Drawing on comprehensive data analysis and expert insight, it quantifies production printer volumes by type and geography, maps the competitive landscape, and models how printing technologies and business models are likely to evolve through 2031.
Whether you’re a press manufacturer, supplier, printer, or investor, this is the intelligence you need to plan with confidence: granular segmentation, regional breakdowns, and clear strategic scenarios in one authoritative source.
Key questions answered within this report
- What are the main trends and impacts negatively impacting establishment and employee numbers?
- How is the printing industry leveraging AI and automation to address the skilled labour shortage?
- What shifts and pressures will the print industry face in the years ahead?
- Which regions are most affected by the changes within the print industry?
Meet the expert behind the report
Jon Harper Smith is a leading authority on the global printing industry with over 40 years’ experience spanning ink chemistry, business strategy, and market analysis. As a subject matter expert for Smithers, he contributes to research reports, consultancy projects, and industry events, with a particular focus on graphics, publication, packaging, and industrial & functional print markets. Before joining Smithers, Jon held senior leadership roles at Fujifilm, most recently as Head of Strategy, where he played a central role in developing its inkjet ink and systems business.About Smithers Market Intelligence
Smithers high quality data and analysis is built on primary research and written by genuine industry experts with deep subject matter knowledge.We’ve redesigned our market report format to help you to navigate to the content and analysis you need. Our reports are now delivered in a PowerPoint format so you can easily access and digest the information you require, but still include a full data set and in-depth analysis. This means you can spend more time analysing, and less time searching.
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