The ARGI 2020 Observatory, presented by the Printing Industry Suppliers Association, has outlined the sales results of a decidedly difficult year for the printing sector, in line with the effects that the global pandemic has shown in almost every sector of the industry.

The impact of the Covid emergency has undoubtedly had some repercussions on the pre-crisis trends in the world of printing, giving the picture of a general downturn, but not without a few glimmers of optimism, as recalled by Antonio Maiorano, president of ARGI: "Year 2020 was unprecedented in terms of the critical issues to which it subjected all sectors of the industry and we hope it will not be repeated. Overall, manufacturers of printing equipment and materials have responded by demonstrating the flexibility they are capable of, maintaining continuity of support and service to printers and stemming losses to -18% in terms of turnover. Results that are not so discouraging especially when considered within the general context of graphic arts. These are positive signs that we have to seize, together with the other initiatives put in place by ARGI to support these markets, in order to build our development strategies in the short and medium term".

Suppliers of printing equipment and materials reacted to the difficult period by implementing strategies to support customers, particularly in terms of technical assistance and service, while always respecting the preventive measures provided for by security protocols. They have adopted, not without difficulty, virtual communication systems to compensate for the limited possibility of having face-to-face visits. Despite this commitment to maintaining an active relationship with customers, in general terms the ARGI Observatory has recorded that in Italy the turnover relating to the sale of printing equipment and materials has returned below 500 million euros, settling at 465 million euros, a decrease of just under 18% compared to the previous year. A declining figure that, if compared to other sectors, is not exaggeratedly negative and should not lead to pessimism.

The forecast analysis carried out by the active groups within the ARGI Observatory offers a scenario with some hints of recovery compared to the figures of 2020. 2021 will certainly present an increase, but it won’t be possible to confirm a real restart before 2022.