NPTA, Chicago, Ill., USA, the association for the paper distribution channel, has released the winter 2015 Quarterly Paper Industry Economic Outlook Report. The report includes macroeconomic data for specific product categories directly related to the paper, print, and publishing industries.

 

The report, produced in partnership with Institute for Trend Research senior economists, provides members with projections for employment, economic growth, sales, and consumer trends. The winter 2015 report indicated that North American economic growth was good, particularly in the U.S., where employment in the private sector is up 2.3% from one year ago and retail sales for December were excellent.

According to the report: 

• Commercial Printing Production has transitioned into Phase C, Slower Growth. Annual Production is 2.3% above the year-ago level. Internal trends suggest slower growth will persist in the near term. 
• Periodical, Book and Other Publishers Production highlighted that annual personal consumption expenditures of books reached a record-high $38.3 billion in December, up 1.9% from last year. Quarterly expenditures are accelerating, signaling that expenditures will continue to rise in the near term. 
• Quarterly Media Spending on Print Advertising is improving, signaling that a transition into Phase A, Recovery, will develop soon. Expect the overall trajectory of advertising to mildly decline over the next three years.

"This enhanced report provides our members with economic data specific to our industry, allowing them to stay current on trends and helping them make informed business decisions," said NPTA CEO, Kevin Gammonley. "The winter 2015 report detailed the business cycle and industry outlook for new areas including Commercial Print Production, Book, Periodicals, and other Publisher Production and Print Media Spending." 

More information on the Quarterly Paper Economic Report is available online. 

The National Paper Trade Association, founded in 1903, is the association for the $50-plus billion paper distribution industry. The mission of NPTA is to actively support the success of member firms through the delivery of networking, education, advocacy, and industry trends focused on the health of the paper distribution channel.