- by Steven Richmond
- January 9 2018
- commercial printing
As Market Shrinks, Printing Machinery Suppliers See Opportunity in Digital
US printing machinery and equipment demand is forecast to decline less than 1.0% per year through 2021, as ongoing competition from electronic media continues to restrain demand for printed materials such as newspapers and books. Despite the broader retreat, demand for digital printing presses is forecast to expand 1.3% per year as printers update machinery to meet customer demand for increased customization and flexibility.
- by Leon Mengri
- January 9 2018
- Materials & Chemicals
- Pigments
Colorful Trends in Pigment Prices
Over the 2006-2016 decade, pigment prices saw considerable volatility, growing significantly in the 2009-2012 period, but declining through 2016. In particular, the prices of carbon black and titanium dioxide pigments experienced the fastest gains and the steepest declines. Key factors that propelled these trends included rising global demand, supply constraints, and increases in the cost of key raw materials.
- by Luke Hickman
- December 18 2017
- health and wellness
- technology
Fitness Machines Lifting Sports Equipment Sales
In 2014, demand for gym and exercise machines surpassed golf equipment as the largest segment in the US market for sports equipment, supported by the rising number of health clubs in the US. The segment is expected to account for the largest share of value gains in the overall market through 2021, driven by improvements to the technology and convenience of such equipment.
- by Chris Dyer
- December 12 2017
- books
- e-books
- publishing
- textbooks
A Textbook Example of Adaptation
US publisher revenues from textbooks are projected to rise 3.8% through 2021, with price growth underpinning gains. As the cost of these books continues to rise, consumers – who are primarily students – have sought ways to acquire them at lower price points, sometimes illegally. The need for publishers to overcome this challenge will continue to drive the development of value-added print books, e-books, and their accompanying software programs.
- by Chris Dyer
- December 12 2017
- pharmaceuticals
The Patent Cliff: Analytical Instruments Climb as Pharmaceuticals Face a Long Descent
US demand for analytical instruments is forecast to total $50.2 billion in 2021. Much of this increased demand stems from the need for pharmaceutical companies to produce novel drugs in the face of a laundry list of expiring patents in the coming months and years. Without new pharmaceutical developments, companies’ profits will plummet as their blockbuster medications are exposed to competition from third parties producing generic formulations.
- by Luke Hickman
- December 12 2017
- Energy & Resources
- natural gas
Three Segments to Watch in the US Energy Industry
US energy production is forecast to total 98.0 quadrillion British thermal units (But) in 2021, representing 3.1% annual gains from 84.0 quadrillion Btu in 2016. Three segments will drive the majority of these gains.
- by Luke Hickman
- November 21 2017
- automotive
- manufacturing
Three Companies to Watch in the RV Industry
US demand for RVs is forecast to reach $16.6 billion in 2021. Rising disposable personal income levels will support gains. In addition, sales stand to benefit from population growth among the age cohorts most likely to buy RVs.
- by Steven Richmond
- November 14 2017
- government spending
- Industrials
- manufacturing
What Sequestration? Naval Expansion to Fuel Shipbuilder Growth
From 2013 through 2016, sequestration, a system of budget cuts meant to enforce spending caps set by the Budget Control Act, led to stagnation in US shipbuilding output. Now, plans to dramatically increase the size of the US naval fleet from 275 ships to 355 promise to reinvigorate US shipbuilders.
- by Chris Dyer
- November 13 2017
- Industrials
3D Printing Soars in the Aerospace Industry
Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, has the potential to revolutionize both prototyping and manufacturing in the field of industrial casting. By fusing metal powders, manufacturers can rapidly create near-net castings from designs, reducing the costs of metal finishing and material removal. The aerospace industry is ground zero for such innovation, with players like GE Aviation, a subsidiary of General Electric, taking the lead.
- by Cara Brosius
- November 8 2017
- fast-casual restaurants
- food
- foodservice
- Millennials
- restaurants
How Are Millennials Disrupting the Restaurant Industry?
US restaurant and foodservice revenues are forecast to total $990 billion in 2021. Advances will be driven by increases in population and disposable personal income, as consumers dine out more often and purchase higher-priced offerings. Over the 2006-2016 period, revenues increased briskly, with 2009 representing the only year of decline as the recession prompted consumers to curb discretionary purchases.