Audio & Video Equipment Manufacturers NAICS 334310

Nov 25, 2025 - Wireless Headphones Lead Holiday Tech Purchases: CTA

• The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) reports that 152 million US adults plan to buy tech products between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday 2025, underscoring resilience in the sector despite over 100 tariff changes this year. For audio and visual product manufacturers, this signals strong demand: wireless headphones and earbuds are projected as the top-selling items, while video subscription services and mobile accessories also rank high. Cyber Monday participation (47%) nearly equals Black Friday (51%), highlighting digital-first shopping behaviors. Although 46% of consumers cutting back cite economic pressures, technology remains a standout category compared to weaker segments like toys and jewelry. With 65% of shoppers identifying November as the best time for deals, manufacturers of audio and visual products can expect heightened competition but also significant opportunity, as consumers prioritize connectivity, entertainment, and productivity solution.
• The Computer & Electronic Products manufacturing industry is one of a dozen manufacturing industries reporting contraction in October’s Manufacturing ISM Report on Business. The Computer & Electronic Products industry reported a decline in new orders, a decrease in new export orders, lower employment and inventories, slower supplier deliveries, higher order backlogs, and higher prices for raw materials. Additional manufacturing industries reporting contraction during the period were; Furniture and Related Products; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Paper Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; Wood Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Chemical Products; Machinery; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; and Textile Mills. Industries reporting growth were Primary Metals; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Transportation Equipment; Plastics & Rubber Products; Fabricated Metal Products; and Nonmetallic Mineral Products. Overall, economic activity in the manufacturing sector contracted for the eighth consecutive month in October, with the Manufacturing PMI registering 48.7%.

• The October 2025 Pro AV Sales Index experienced a slight dip compared to September, signaling consistent market demand and a trend toward stabilization, according to the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association (AVIXA). An index of 50 indicates that firms saw no growth or decline in business activity; more than 50 indicates an expansion, while less than 50 indicates a decrease. The top concerns cited by industry leaders were tariffs, political instability, and inflation, all of which create conditions for higher costs and increased uncertainty in business investments. The index's relative stability suggests continued demand for AV solutions, which may translate into increased orders for hardware, components, and integrated systems. Employment saw an uptick, with the AV Employment Index increasing to 56.9.
• Softening consumer sentiment and confidence in November and October 2025 reflects a growing weakness in discretionary spending, posing challenges for audio and visual equipment manufacturers. The University of Michigan’s Index of Consumer Sentiment dropped 6.2% month-over-month in November's preliminary results to 50.3, a 29.9% year-over-year decline. The Current Economic Conditions Index fell to 52.3, and the Expectations Index to 49, down 36.3% annually. Year-ahead inflation expectations rose to 4.7%, while long-run expectations declined to 3.6%, with increased uncertainty across both horizons. Meanwhile, the Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index edged down to 94.6 from 95.6 in October, as improved current conditions (Present Situation Index up to 129.3) were offset by weaker short-term expectations (Expectations Index down to 71.5). Inflation expectations rose to 5.9%, and over half of consumers anticipated higher interest rates. Holiday spending is projected to fall, with promotions driving purchasing decisions.