HS Code:
Double-width newspaper printing presses (classified under HS Code 8443, which includes printing machinery used for printing by means of plates, cylinders, and other printing components) are specialized industrial machines designed for high-speed, large-scale production of newspapers. These presses are engineered to print on wide paper rolls, enabling the simultaneous printing of multiple pages, which is essential for meeting the tight deadlines of newspaper production. They are a critical component of the printing and publishing industry, primarily used by large newspaper publishers and commercial printing houses.
Total Trade Volume
USD 250 million
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database & International Trade Centre (ITC)
Average Rate
5.2%
Highest Rate
12% (imposed by certain developing economies to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-Japan EPA)
Shift to Digital Printing Technologies
Reduced demand for traditional double-width newspaper presses as publishers transition to digital formats and smaller, more flexible printing solutions.
2020-2022
Sustainability Push in Printing Industry
Increased demand for energy-efficient and eco-friendly printing presses, prompting manufacturers to innovate in reducing energy consumption and waste.
2021-2023
Growth in Emerging Markets
Rising newspaper circulation in regions like South Asia and Africa is driving demand for cost-effective double-width presses, boosting exports from China and India.
2019-2022
The European Union introduced updated safety and environmental regulations for industrial printing equipment, including double-width presses, to ensure lower emissions and enhanced operator safety.
March 2023
Manufacturers exporting to the EU must adapt to compliance costs, potentially increasing prices but also improving product quality and market trust.
A leading German printing press manufacturer acquired a Swiss competitor to consolidate market share and expand its portfolio of high-speed double-width presses.
July 2022
This merger strengthens Germany’s dominance in the market and may lead to technological advancements through combined R&D efforts.
Chinese manufacturers have increased exports of cost-competitive double-width newspaper presses, targeting emerging markets in Africa and Southeast Asia.
October 2022
Increased competition for traditional leaders like Germany and Japan, potentially driving down global prices but raising concerns over quality and durability.