Flexible Packaging Leads the Way

Another significant challenge facing package printers is offshore competition. "Imports continue to present a major challenge in terms of both foreign packaging materials, as well as completely foreign-produced and packaged products coming into the U.S.," says Donahue.

According to a recent FPA study, imports of flexible packaging products grew at a compound annual growth rate of 11 percent over the past four years and is estimated to have reached $2.2 billion in 2004. China accounts for about 30 percent of these imports.