Book Manufacturers’ Institute Releases Industry Barometer Survey Results for April 2023

Contact
Matt Baehr, BMI Executive Director
386.986.4552
mbaehr@bmibook.com
www.bmibook.com

[BRADENTON, FL—April 18, 2023] The Book Manufacturers’ Institute (BMI) released the April results for its monthly survey on capacity and lead times for soft cover and hard cover books. This month’s survey also featured an update to the questions, factoring in both digital and offset printing methods.

In looking at digital printing, the average hard cover capacity stayed about the same, only dropping 1 point to 64%. Lead time for digital hard cover books dropped from 17 days to 13 days. Digital soft cover books are running at 70% capacity and 12 days lead time. Both of those numbers are slightly up from March.

According to responses regarding offset printing, hard cover manufacturers are running at 57% of their capacity, which is 9% less than last month. Lead times are down from 37 days to 22. The average soft cover offset capacity usage is down to 68% from 78%. Offset soft cover lead time down to 31 days from 35.

With the new survey questions, respondents only answered the questions that were pertinent to their particular printing and finishing capabilities. Overall, 24 companies responded to the survey, keeping in line with what the average has been over the last year.

About the Book Manufacturer’s Institute

The Book Manufacturers’ Institute is a not-for-profit trade organization that supports book manufacturing leaders in their work to drive the promotion, efficiency, and growth of book markets for readers and educators in North America

Since 1933, BMI has provided tremendous value to its member companies and others associated with the book manufacturing industry. BMI member companies range from full-service book manufacturers to those specializing in the digital print market, specialty binderies, component printers, packagers, equipment manufacturers, and suppliers of a variety of materials and services.