Commercial Printers NAICS 3231
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Industry Summary
The 21,000 commercial printers in the US produce brochures, ads, books, packaging, business cards, and other output for clients. They are in the midst of a transition to digital technologies and electronic media.
Rapid Technological Change
The transition to digital technology has accelerated the rate of equipment change in the printing industry.
Weak Printing Demand
The commercial printing industry has seen falling demand for printed advertising materials caused by the shift to electronic media.
Recent Developments
Apr 14, 2025 - Direct Mail Spending to Drop
- US net media owner advertising revenues are expected to rise by 4.3% in 2025 after posting growth of 12.4% in 2024. Growth will moderate following an uptick in 2024 spending, which was boosted by political advertising and the Summer Olympics. Weakening confidence and economic uncertainty will also temper ad spending in 2025. After experiencing 2.2% growth in 2024, direct mail ad revenue is forecast to decline by 3.5% to $16.8 billion in 2025. Direct mail ad spending is a key demand driver for commercial printing services.
- US spending on commercial printing is forecast to decline between 7% and 9% in 2025 as ad spending continues to migrate to digital media, according to a recent market forecast by Print Impressions (PI). However, PI sees pockets of potential print spending growth in 2025. Some sectors with the best potential for solid print demand include packaged foods and meats, medical and pharma, travel and hospitality, health providers, and personal care. Some of the weakest industrial segments for print spending in 2025 include higher education, computerware, primary and secondary education, government, and leisure.
- Between 2025 and 2035, the global value of the digital print market is forecast to nearly double to $251.1 billion, according to market research firm Smithers. Over the same period, global print volume will increase by more than 54% as more efficient printing equipment comes online. By 2035, digital print will account for more than 22% of total global print and printed packaging value. Packaging will be a key driver of digital printing demand over Smithers’ forecast period, primarily led by corrugated cartons, flexible packaging, rigid plastics, and metal.
- Nearly one-third (30%) of small businesses are worried that tariffs could result in revenue losses, according to a survey released in February by Alignable, a social media outlet for small business owners. About 18% of business owners believe tariffs could boost their revenue, and 40% think they will have no effect; 12% of respondents were unsure what effects tariffs might have on their businesses. About 43% of print and copy services firms surveyed said they were concerned that tariffs could negatively affect their revenues.
Industry Revenue
Commercial Printers
Industry Structure
Industry size & Structure
The average commercial printer has fewer than 15 employees and generates $3.7 million in annual revenue.
- The industry consists of 21,000 firms with 276,000 employees, and revenue of $78 billion.
- Digital communications are replacing print for advertising, direct mail, magazines, books, and other business publications.
- Digital printing has reduced the barriers to entry for commercial printing. The new competition consists of quick printing companies and companies doing their own printing in-house.
- Industry-wide employment fell 22% from 2014 to 2023.
- Most firms are privately-held and 85% of firms have less than 20 employees.
- Large firms include RR Donnelley, Quad/Graphics, Transcontinental Printing, and Cenveo.
Industry Forecast
Industry Forecast
Commercial Printers Industry Growth
Source: Vertical IQ and Inforum
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