The ISA’s recently released Sign Industry Quarterly Economic Report shows that all four sectors are growing above the historical trend, an outlook that’s on par with the previous quarter. The International Sign Association’s report covers the second quarter (Q2) of 2016 and forecasts into 2017. It assesses four segments – printing, electric signage, digital signage and architectural signage – and related economic factors. In general, it shows growth for both the U.S. economy (gaining steam in 2017 and 2018) and a relatively stable global outlook that includes Canada. The Economic Report, which was prepared in June, is sponsored by NASSD (National Association of Sign Supply Distributors) and compiled by IHS and Vandiver Associates. It analyzes each segment of the market upstream and downstream to allow users to stay current with evolving business conditions.
Some key highlights from the report:
- All markets remain above the trend for 2017, with the outlook stable for all four market segments. All segments are expected to show growth well above the historical trend. This above-trend growth for all market segments should remain through 2018 as well.
- In printing, the outlook for 2016 has been downgraded a bit for suppliers to the static side of the industry, with expectations now just slightly above the historical trend. The outlook should pick up in 2017 in a growth pattern on par with the trajectory previously forecast, and remain solid for 2018.
- For suppliers to the electronic and digital sectors of the market, the expectations have been revised down to show the sector maintaining its historical trend. However, it’s expected to pick up significantly in 2017 and remain strong in 2018.
- The expectations for 2016 for the end market for electric and digital signs remains very strong, and the growth should cool only slightly for 2017 and 2018.
- The end market for architectural signage should continue to see very favourable conditions through 2016. Growth should remain strong but decelerate through 2018 as demand returns to its long-term trend.
Key findings from the Q2 2016 ISA Sign Industry Quarterly Economic Report will be the topic of a free webinar on Thursday, July 28 from 2 pm to 3 pm Eastern Standard Time. Economists will discuss the macro-economic global economy, focusing on issues that could affect the sign industry supply chain, before delving into the specific micro-economic outlook shown in the report. Those interested can learn more at www.signs.org/webinars. The report is free for members of ISA, ISA Affiliated Associations and NASSD (National Association of Sign Supply Distributors). Non-members may purchase it for $1,000 per forecast. The research can be accessed at www.signs.org/quarterlyreport.
The International Sign Association (ISA) represents manufacturers, suppliers and users of on-premise signs and sign products from Canada, the United States and 60 countries around the world. ISA and its Affiliated Associations work to support, promote and improve the worldwide sign and graphics industry.
