The National Paper Trade Association has reported growth in three categories, according to its most recent Quarterly Paper Industry Economic Outlook Report

The association for the paper distribution channel, in partnership with the Institute for Trend Research senior economists, reported that annual production in commercial printing production is 2.3 percent above the year-ago level, although internal trends suggest slower growth will persist in the near term.

In the periodical, book and other publishers production category, the report says annual personal consumption expenditures of books reached a record-high $38.3 billion in December, up 1.9 percent from last year. Quarterly expenditures are accelerating, signaling expenditures will continue to rise in the near term.

And quarterly media spending on print advertising is improving, signaling a transition into Phase A, Recovery, will develop soon. But the report says to expect the overall trajectory of advertising to mildly decline over the next three years.

“This enhanced report provides our members with economic data specific to our industry allowing them to stay current on trends and helping them make informed business decisions,” said NPTA CEO Kevin Gammonley. “The winter 2015 report detailed the business cycle and industry outlook for new areas including commercial print production, book, periodicals, and other publisher production and print media spending.”