Audio & Video Equipment Manufacturers NAICS 334310

Mar 27, 2026 - CTA Joins Push for Timely Tariff Reimbursements

• For the US audio and visual equipment manufacturing industry, ongoing legal and policy developments in early 2026 around tariff refunds could provide financial relief and improve planning certainty, according to the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). The US Chamber of Commerce and the CTA filed an amicus brief on March 4, 2026, calling for an efficient, orderly refund process for tariffs now deemed unlawfully collected under IEEPA. The case affects thousands of businesses, particularly smaller firms that absorbed tariff costs. For AV equipment manufacturers, a streamlined refund process could help restore cash flow and offset prior cost pressures tied to imported components. The organizations also warned that delays or third-party involvement could complicate reimbursements. Overall, the outcome highlights the importance of timely refunds and clearer trade policy for manufacturers managing global supply chains.
• US audio and visual equipment manufacturers are operating in a modestly expanding but cost-pressured environment, according to February’s ISM Manufacturing PMI report. The PMI registered 52.4%, signaling continued expansion, while the Computer & Electronic Products segment, relevant to AV, also grew. Demand indicators remained positive, with New Orders at 55.8% and Backlog of Orders rising to 56.6%, suggesting ongoing project pipelines. However, production growth slowed to 53.5%, and employment remained in contraction at 48.8%, indicating cautious workforce management. Cost pressures intensified significantly, with the Prices Index jumping to 70.5%, driven by higher input costs such as metals and components. Supplier deliveries slowed (55.1%), and imports rose to 54.9%, reflecting supply chain adjustments. Overall, steady demand is offset by rising costs and operational constraints for AV manufacturers.

• Sales for the US audio and video equipment manufacturing industry are projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.24% from 2025 to 2029, slower than the overall economy's anticipated growth, according to an updated forecast from Inforum and the Interindustry Economic Research Fund, Inc. Consumer sentiment is expected to improve in the forecast period, which bodes well for the durable goods manufacturing industries including audio and video equipment manufacturers. A factor that may curb consumer spending is substantially higher tariffs on consumer goods, which may be painful for households. The forecast noted that a tighter immigration policy could limit the expansion of the labor supply and job growth for durable goods manufacturing industries. However, labor productivity could still improve due to new technologies such as AI and 3-D printing as well as adjustments forced by the pandemic.
• US audio and video equipment industry activity remained expansionary in February, up 5 points from a year ago, according to the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association (AVIXA). The AV Sales Index (AVI-S) registered 58.9, up from 55.6 in January. 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. February typically sees upticks in corporate Q1 technology rollouts, education sector RFP, and the start of procurement cycles. Labor conditions showed signs of cooling. The AV Employment Index (AVI-E) declined to 52.5 as labor markets in the US and globally showed signs of cooling.