International Sign Association Economic Report Shows Above Average Growth Into 2018

The International Sign Association’s (ISA) Sign Industry Quarterly Economic Report showed that the sign, graphics and visual communications industry is growing well above the “lumbering” pace of the overall U.S. economy. All four sectors covered by the report see growth at or above the historical trend into 2018.

The ISA Sign Industry Quarterly Economic Report covered the first quarter of 2017 and forecasted into 2019. It assessed four segments: two supplier markets (printing and electrical/digital signage), and two end markets (electric/digital signage and architectural signage). The two end markets, in particular, were strongly above trend for 2017 with the supply side catching up in 2018.

The Economic Report, prepared in March, was sponsored by the National Association of Sign Supply Distributors (NASSD).

Key highlights:

• In supply side printing, expectations remained above the historical trend despite a slight dip in expectation from the last report. The outlook for 2018 has improved, as the index is set to hit its highest levels for the industry since 2012.
• Supply side electrical/digital also will see a slight cooling in 2017 from expectations, but growth should be just above the historical trend for 2017. This positive trend is expected to accelerate into 2018 and stay strong in 2019.
• In end market electrical/digital, 2017 remains very strong, and while growth will slow in 2018 and 2019, it will remain well above the historical trend through the end of the forecast.
• End market architectural also shows favorable growth in 2017, remaining above trend through 2019.

The report, compiled by IHS and Vandiver Associates, analyzed each segment of the market upstream and downstream to allow users to stay current with evolving business conditions.

Those interested in learning more about the ISA Signed Industry Quarterly Economic Report and the outlook for 2017-2018 can participate in a free webinar hosted by IHS at 2 p.m. ET May 3. Register at www.signs.org/webinars.

The report is free for ISA, ISA Affiliated Association and NASSD members. Non-members may purchase it for $1,000 per forecast. This research can be accessed at www.signs.org/quarterlyreport.