The latest BPIF Printing Outlook survey reveals that more than half (56%) of printers increased their output levels in the final quarter of 2015. 46% of respondents expect to increase output levels in Q1 2016 (while 41% predict that output levels will remain the same and 13% expect output to decline in Q1). If realised this would be a major improvement on Q1 activity last year.
The balance between those believing that the general state of trade improved, and those believing that it had deteriorated, was +25 in Q4; significantly better than the -2 in Q3, and just above the Q4 forecast of +24. The positive balance for Q4 has come from 40% believing the general state of trade in the printing industry had improved and 15% reporting a deterioration. 45% reported no change in the general state of trade in Q4 2015.
Expectations for Q1 remain positive – though not to the same extent as the Q4 performance; and not matching the optimism evident in the orders and output forecasts. Almost two-thirds (63%) believe that the general state of trade in the industry will remain unchanged. Of the remaining respondents: 24% compared with 14% believe that the UK printing industry will improve, rather than deteriorate, in Q1.