The results of the annual industry survey conducted by the German Printing and Media Industries Federation show that the print and media industry continues to be characterised by uncertainty. The energy crisis and the weak economic situation led to low capacity utilisation and a difficult order situation in 2024.
A total of 314 managers from print and media companies took part in the eighth joint industry survey conducted by the BVDM and the German Printing and Media Industries Association (VDM) from 24 March to 7 April 2025. The aim was to record key economic figures, expectations, investment behaviour and industry trends.
The turnover forecasts are around 9 percentage points above the previous year’s figure, but are still in negative territory, which demonstrates the continuing economic weakness of the industry. With regard to the earnings situation, around a third of companies expect operating results to improve, while 42% fear a deterioration compared to the previous year. In the current year, 33% of companies are planning to reduce their workforce, while 15% expect employment to increase.
Despite the economic challenges, the level of investment remains remarkably high. Between 75% and 91% of companies are planning to invest in marketing/advertising (91%) and software/IT (89%) in the current year. Production facilities and personnel development have lower investment rates at 75% each. Due to declining company figures, a net decrease in the amount invested in the sector is expected overall.
However, the results of the survey also show opportunities: on average, five out of twelve business opportunities are categorised as relevant. Supplementary services relating to the print product are mentioned particularly frequently. The operational use of artificial intelligence is also increasing: 35% of companies are already using such technologies and 13% are planning to introduce them.
BVDM
The Bundesverband Druck und Medien e. V. (BVDM) is the umbrella organisation of the German printing industry. As an employers’ organisation, political business association and technical trade association, it represents the positions and objectives of the printing industry vis-à-vis politicians, administration, trade unions and the supplier industry. The BVDM is supported by eight regional associations. Internationally, it is organised through its membership of Intergraf and FESPA. The printing industry currently comprises around 6,300 predominantly small and medium-sized companies with more than 99,000 employees subject to social security contributions.
