BMI Releases Industry Barometer Survey Results for March 2023

The Book Manufacturers’ Institute (BMI) released the March 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 rose to 65%, up from 59%. Lead time for digital hard cover books dropped from 21 days to 17 days. Digital soft cover books are running at 67% capacity and 15 days lead time. Both of those numbers are similar to February numbers.

According to responses regarding offset printing, hard cover manufacturers are running at 66% of their capacity, which is 10% less than last month. Lead times are slightly down from 40 days to 37. The average soft cover offset capacity usage is down to 78% from 82%. Offset soft cover lead time is up from 27 days to 35 days, reversing a trend of dropping times.

With the new survey questions, respondents only answered the questions that were pertinent to their particular printing and finishing capabilities. Overall, 21 companies responded to the survey, keeping in line with what the average has been over the last year.