Audio & Video Equipment Manufacturers NAICS 334310

Jan 23, 2026 - Slower Growth Expected

• 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 December despite normal seasonal slowing, according to the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association (AVIXA). The AV Sales Index (AVI-S) registered 56.5, slightly down from 57.2 in November but still signaling growth, and 2025’s full-year AVI-S averaged 3.4 points higher than 2024. 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. Education and live events segments saw expected year-end slowdowns, while demand was supported by ongoing investment in hybrid work solutions and AI-enabled AV technologies. Labor conditions also remained stable. The AV Employment Index (AVI-E) declined 1.4 points to 55.4 but stayed well above the 2024 level of 51.6, with unemployment steady at 4.6%. Tariffs, supply chain challenges, and macroeconomic uncertainty continued to affect purchasing timelines and deal sizes. Overall, December results point to a resilient US AV equipment market entering 2026 with steady demand and cautious optimism.

• Computer & Electronic Products and Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components were the only manufacturing industries reporting growth in December’s Manufacturing ISM Report on Business. Executives in the Computer & Electronic Products manufacturing industry reported an increase in new orders, production, prices for raw materials, backlog of orders, and new export orders, while reporting lower employment, lower inventories, lower imports, and slower supplier deliveries. Manufacturing industries reporting contraction during the period included Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Wood Products; Textile Mills; Paper Products; Transportation Equipment; Chemical Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Primary Metals; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Plastics & Rubber Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Machinery; and Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products. Overall, economic activity in the manufacturing sector contracted for in December, with the Manufacturing PMI registering 48.7%.
• 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.