Study indicates positive outlook with an estimated 2015 GDP growth of 2.2% in the region
Graphics of the Americas (GOA), produced annually by the Printing Association of Florida, today releases an important study on the Latin American printing industry outlook, a core show market, for 2015. GOA's 40th anniversary show is being held on February 26-28, 2015 at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami Beach, Florida, USA.
The report, commissioned by GOA and prepared by industry veteran Carlos Silgado Bernal, describes the industry's expected macroeconomic conditions in 2015, and seeks to provide a stimulus for graphic entrepreneurs to continue to innovate.
George Ryan, GOA President, says: "This study is an excellent benchmark for the core GOA audience. We use results from these reports to shape conference and expo offerings; thereby providing attendees with the most important information on opportunities for revenue growth through new technologies and innovations.
"We are energized by the study's positive outlook, and are looking forward to seeing this market continue to expand in 2015."
2015 Outlook: Growth!
The study reports that Latin America will reach positive performance with an estimated 2015 GDP growth of 2.2%, though Latin American countries show uneven performance. Mexico will benefit from political reform and the economic recovery in the United States. The Mercosur nations (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela) face a complex economic, business, and political landscape. Colombia, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia and Central America will have robust growth.
It is foreseen that printing companies will continue to develop innovative services, allowing them to achieve sustainable growth. The economic environment is characterized by moderate growth in domestic markets, weakening of intra-regional trade and a competitive pricing scenario. Ad spending, the rise of the internet, outdoor advertising and specialization in packaging represent opportunities for growth.
In 2015, printing growth will be in the moderate ranges, at about 1.0% in most countries. In Brazil, printing growth will be at .5%. The GDP growth rate in Venezuela (-1.0%) and Argentina (-1.5%) are challenged by a negative political environment that is hindering growth.
Advertising expenditure, print, online and outdoor advertising
Latin America is considered a region of rapid growth in ad spending. Ad spending is estimated to reach double-digit growth in 2014 and 2015 -- well above the global growth rate of 5.3%, according to forecasts by Zenith Optimedia.
It is estimated that Latin American magazines and newspapers will increase the share of ad spending at an average of 5.5% until 2016, according to data compiled by US Media Consulting.
Packaging Outlook
Latin America represents 6% of the value of the global packaging market. According to the annual survey published by el empaque + Conversion magazine, 54% of label converters expect to grow over 2014, and 42% are inclined to invest in technology and equipment as one of their primary strategic objectives.
Meanwhile, 67% of flexible packaging converters expect to grow over the previous year (2014), with a strong focus on solutions for the food industry. Flexography in the region will continue to play a major role in the growth of this segment.
