Estonian printing history began in the first half of the 19th century. In 1802, the publication of newspapers and other periodic magazines began in the Estonian language. In 1810, there were 4 printing houses in Estonia and in 1880, 20 printing houses. After the regaining of independence of Estonia in 1991, the field of printing started to develop faster. Several printing houses from the Soviet times were privatized, lots of new printing houses were established.

Today we have 119 printing houses in Estonia: 101 commercial, 9 label and packaging, 5 book and 4 periodical. There are more than 2500 employees in printing industry. The total turnover of Estonian printing industry has increased by about 10% a year since 2000. In 2004 the total turnover of Estonian printing industry was 1.7 billion Estonian crowns - 42% commercial, 30% periodical, 19% label and packaging and 9% book printing houses from a whole. In comparison with last years the total turnover has rised in all four segments. The joining of the European Union in May 2004 has encouraged and simplified foreign trade and communication. The export of Estonian printing industry has increased and this trend is still continuing. Today, the largest markets are Russia, Scandinavia and Finland. During recent years, Estonian printing industrialists have been actively and successfully investing into printing houses and machines. Attained high quality level and short deadlines of printing houses as well flexible customer-services and low costs facilitate the competition of Estonian printing industry in foreign markets.

The paper industry in Estonia has long traditions since 1644, when a paper mill in Tallinn was first mentioned. Today, there are about 50 paper, pulp and paper products manufacturers in Estonia and the paper and pulp industry employs 1.7 thousand people. Foreign investments have played an important role in developing Estonian paper and pulp industry.

The sales of the paper industry have increased by more than six times during the last decade, totalling 1.5 million Estonian crowns in the year 2003. Paper and pulp industry contributed 2.5 per cent of the exports of Estonian manufacturing industry and 1.3 per cent of its employment. The sector's productivity is high compared to other Estonian industries and is increasing all the time due to the introduction of more efficient technologies.

The production of paper and pulp industry is mainly sold in the foreign markets; export share in sales has increased from 30% in 1994 to 65% in 2003. The main export article was uncoated kraft paper and paperboard, but also boxes and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard. In 2003, more than 40% of production was exported to Germany, Finland, Lithuania, Netherlands and Egypt. Estonian paper and paperboard consumption is mainly satisfied by imports. Most companies are focussed on converting imported paper into paper products, major pulp and paper producers are Horizon Pulp & Paper in Kehra and Estonian Cell's new pulp mill in Kunda (starts up in the year 2006), which is also the second largest foreign investment in Estonia.

A growth in sales is forecast for the paper industry in the future, the number of employees remains the same due to the increasing productivity.

Mereli Mändla	Andrus Treiberg
Association of Estonian Printing Industry	Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications
www.trykiliit.ee	www.mkm.ee