Preliminary 4th Quarter U.S. Market Data Shows Extent of Economic Downturn

摘要

Anyone looking for confirmation of the extent and severity of the current global economic downturn need look no further than the preliminary NPES 4th quarter market data. The NPES market data program collects U.S. shipments of equipment and supply products. The 4th quarter equipment shipments, which include prepress, press, and post-press equipment, came in at $280.8 million, the lowest 4th quarter total since at least 1987. Although the 4th quarter is traditionally the strongest in the year, for 2008 the 4th quarter was the worst quarter of the year, with shipments down 18.5% from 3Q08 and down 35% from the same period last year.