Shanghai Printing Industry Sees “Two Decreases and Two Increases”: Fewer Companies and Workers, but Higher Output and Revenue

The Shanghai Printing Association will hold the 2nd Yangtze River Printing Association Annual Meeting and Forum in Shanghai on November 13–14, under the theme “Collaborative Innovation: Empowering the Green and Smart Growth of the Printing Industry.”

At the same time, the 2025 Shanghai Paper Printing Art Exhibition will take place at the Shanghai Printing Font Museum (No. 60, Lane 1209, Xinzha Road), showing the unique culture and charm of “Shanghai-style printing.” The exhibition will also explore new ways paper can continue to carry culture in modern times.

According to the latest data, there are about 54,000 printing companies in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, accounting for 52.9% of all in China, with a total output value of 730 billion yuan—about 51.7% of the national total.

Mr. Shen Jianyi, President of the Shanghai Printing Association, explained the city’s “two decreases and two increases” trend:
the number of companies and workers has gone down,
but total output and sales revenue have both gone up.

He said, “The output per worker in Shanghai keeps growing and is much higher than the national average. This shows that the city’s printing industry is moving away from labor-intensive production and shifting toward high-efficiency and high-value development through technology and industrial upgrades.”

So far, four Shanghai printing companies have been recognized as city-level smart factories. Many printing firms are also bringing cultural creativity into their business, making printing IPs a new highlight that connects culture, tourism, business, sports, and exhibitions. 

source:jfdaily