The Book Manufacturers’ Institute (BMI) has announced the publication of the 2026 State of the Book Industry Report. This report, produced in partnership with Alliance Insights, the research division of Printing United Alliance, examines the economic, technological, regulatory, and market forces shaping the book manufacturing industry in 2026.
As the industry navigates a complex landscape of tariff uncertainty, shifting publisher purchasing strategies, and accelerating technological adoption, this year’s report provides essential analysis and strategic guidance for book manufacturers and publishers.
The report draws on industry surveys, in-depth stakeholder interviews, and data from leading economic and market research sources. BMI members can access the full report as part of their membership. Executive summaries are available to interested parties in the broader print and publishing sectors by contacting BMI directly.
Key topics covered in the 2026 report include – 2026 economic outlook and its impact on book manufacturing; Tariff impacts on book manufacturing inputs, equipment, and supply chains; The removal of printed products from the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR); Growth of digital printing, print-on-demand, and flexible production models; Strategic AI implementation and automation across the book manufacturing sector; Market segment analysis: adult fiction, nonfiction, and K–12 education trends; and Publisher–printer communication strategies and total cost of ownership.
“Despite the ongoing uncertainty that has defined recent years, 2026 presents a genuine opportunity for book manufacturers to reset and adapt,” said Matt Baehr, executive director of BMI.
“From the welcome removal of printed products from EUDR’s scope to the growing adoption of digital printing and AI-driven production, the industry has real tools to move forward. This report captures both the headwinds and the opportunities, and we hope it serves as a valuable resource for BMI members and the broader book manufacturing community throughout the year.”
The report is a cornerstone of BMI’s Annual Research Program, sponsored by Canon Solutions America, HP, Müller Martini, and Tecnau.
