The Australian printing industry has been confirmed as being in an expansionary growth phase according to Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures released today.

In seasonally adjusted terms the printing industry grew by 2.5 per cent during the September 2005 quarter and by 1.2 per cent during the year to September. In trend terms it grew by 1.3 per cent during the quarter but growth was down by 1.8 per cent compared to 12 months ago.

In comparison the Australian economy grew by only 0.2 per cent on a seasonally adjusted basis during the quarter and by 2.6 per cent during the year to September. On trend basis the economy grew by 0.7 per cent during the quarter and by 2.8 per cent during the year to September.

Growth dynamics changed slightly during the September quarter. Positive contributions to economic activity came from household expenditure, business investment and investment in dwellings. These contributions were offset by negative contributions from net exports and public investment.

Profit share improved while import penetration remained unchanged.

On trend basis New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia contributed 0.1 per cent to economic growth during the September quarter. Victoria contributed 0.2 per cent and Queensland 0.3 per cent.

Printing Industries Manager of Industry & Commercial Policy Hagop Tchamkertenian said the figures presented a positive outlook for the industry.

"The printing industry is once again growing and expanding," he said.

"The June quarter results have also been revised upwards for the industry giving us now two consecutive quarters of expanding economic activity. The December quarter data will now be crucial in helping determine whether the current expansion phase can be sustained," Mr Tchamkertenian said.

The ABS summary document can be assessed by clicking on the following link.