SIGN, GRAPHICS AND VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY TO IMPROVE IN 2022 AND 2023 ACCORDING TO THE SIGN INDUSTRY QUARTERLY ECONOMIC REPORT
ALEXANDRIA, VA – April 25, 2022 – Two supplier markets and the end market architectural signage in the sign, graphics and visual communications industry will rebound later this year, according to the Sign Industry Quarterly Economic Report, produced by IHS Markit for the International Sign Association. Electric digital signage will continue to face supply issues, slowing its growth.
The report covers the first quarter of 2022 and was prepared in April. The report assesses four segments of the industry: two supplier markets (printing and electrical/digital signage) and two end markets (electric/digital signage and architectural signage). It also forecasts commodities.
Some highlights:
- Paper supply continues to face shocks in the form of mill conversions and closures. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could further disrupt paper markets as sanctions take effect, worsening paper supply. Logistical bottlenecks within the supply chain are exacerbating limited paper supply and are not expected to resolve until late 2022.
- Steel prices have reversed the early 2022 declines and are approaching or already above the record peaks of 2021. Prices will stay high as long as Russian sanctions are in place. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is having a severe effect on supply and upside on prices. The disruption will last throughout 2022, with minor improvement late in the year and across 2023.
- Over the four quarters of 2022 US consumer price index (CPI) inflation is revised up 0.8 percentage point, to 5.2%. The slowdown in growth occurs as fiscal and monetary policies tighten, pent-up demand is satisfied, and major economies reach full employment.
The report is free for ISA and ISA Affiliated Association members. Nonmembers may purchase it for $1,000 per quarterly forecast. This research can be accessed at www.signs.org/quarterlyreport.
IHS details more of the findings in a webinar at 2 p.m. (ET) Wednesday, April 27. The webinar is free for ISA and ISA Affiliated Association member and $100 for nonmembers. Learn more at www.signs.org/webinars.
