The results of the extensive study of the Chinese market indicate rapid adoption of digital print technology. In 2005, the market for digital printing in China was estimated at nearly $376 million in terms of retail value of print and it is forecast to grow to nearly $5 billion by 2010, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of an astounding 66%. The total Chinese printing market is forecast to increase from $60 billion in 2006 to $113 billion in 2010, at a 17% CAGR.
The Chinese population is the worlds largest, and the economy is growing at a consistently high rate. China is the home of major manufacturers and has attracted many Fortune 500 companies. InfoTrends new study, The Chinese Printing Market: The Next Big Opportunity for Digital Printing & Workflow?, provides an objective, comprehensive view of the Chinese production printing market and the opportunity for digital printing technology adoption. The study also provides a five-year forecast for digital equipment through 2010.
The study examines the full range of production opportunities including the commercial printing market, from small quick printers to large commercial printers. It includes digital printing, copy shops, quick printers, in-plant operations, and specialists such as book or forms printers. It leverages multiple sources to help size and quantify this complex market.
This is a market that is developing, and the potential is so large that it cant be ignored, commented Charlie Corr, Group Director at InfoTrends. Even though it is currently a relatively small market, we estimate the entire printing and publishing market in 2005 to be $51 billion and anticipate top line growth over the next several years in the upper teens.
Providers of equipment, software, and solutions should participate in this market growth, but they should be prepared to view initial actions as a long-term investment. Profits will be difficult to attain in the short-term. Profits will be minimized due to low pricing, required infrastructure investments, and the funding required for market development.
Vendors must work closely with government and trade associations and develop relationships with print providers. They must show commitment to the Chinese market, which remains a high relationship selling environment. Vendors should educate the market on the benefits of automation and digitization, produce China based spot-on case studies, and highlight the forecast growth opportunities to print providers. It is clear that many potential buyers need more reasons to believe in growth before they will invest.
Highlights of the study include:
High growth occurs in all segments, however, full color digital impressions will experience the most growth, rising to 12 billion in 2010, representing an 80% CAGR.
Most of the activity is in the major cities. While some of the future growth will occur in secondary markets, the major metropolitan markets will continue to generate most of the demand. Equipment providers can concentrate on areas of relative density to control cost.
Nearly half of the print providers surveyed had no workflow solutions installed. The most common solutions were developed internally.
Growth in the Chinese printing industry will be driven predominantly by domestic demand, but exports will continue to grow.
The study includes a survey of 388 print providers in China, all of whom were decision makers in purchasing equipment and software. Surveys were conducted at the All in Print China event held in June of 2006. In addition, several in-depth interviews with industry leaders were conducted, and a wide range of secondary data was reviewed.
The complete study is available immediately for purchase. For more information about the study or to make a purchase, contact Scott Phinney at +1 781 616 2100 ext. 123 or scott_phinney@infotrends.com.
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