Chicago-based InnerWorkings' business outlook survey of more than 3,300 printing manufacturers found that more than half believed that the economy would remain stable in the near future, while 27% thought that the economic climate was improving.

In terms of business performance, the InnerWorkings survey found that nearly half of the respondents expected their sales to increase, while only 3% expected some sort of sales decline.

More than 80% of respondents also said they would either keep their current staffing levels or look to expand.

The study was designed to provide up-to-date insights for print manufacturers, software suppliers, integrators and other companies that have an interest in the U.S. print market.

InnerWorkings chief operations officer John Eisel said: "Print manufacturing is a massive industry, generating annual revenue of more than $144 billion in the U.S. alone.

"It is an industry that remains highly relevant in today's business landscape, and our goal in commissioning this study is to keep our finger on the pulse of this often overlooked yet important sector of the economy."

InnerWorkings marketing and communications vice president Patti Doyle added: "Most good printers will tell you that a much greater percentage of business today, particularly business that best fits their capabilities, comes through an efficiency channel, such as InnerWorkings, versus their historical sales-based relationships."

On a different note the survey also revealed that 79% of respondents prefered republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney over the incumbent Barack Obama for the coming November elections, feeling Romney’s election would have a more positive impact on their business.