Electrical manufacturers and electrical distributors of lighting fixtures can expect to see an increase in shipments in the next four years. According to “Lighting Fixtures,” a study published by Freedonia Group Inc., a Cleveland-based industrial market research firm, U.S. lighting-fixture shipments will reach $12.6 billion in 2010 — a 2.1 percent annual increase. Although this represents an improvement compared to the 2000 to 2005 period, competition from imported lighting fixtures in each of the market’s product segments will limit overall shipment gains.
Nonportable fixtures accounted for more than 75 percent of total lighting-fixture shipments in 2005. Sales of these fixtures are expected to rebound, as nonresidential and nonbuilding construction spending recovers from a weak environment during the 2000-2005 period.
Construction applications dominate overall lighting-fixture demand, accounting for just over 60 percent in 2005. The construction market will lead gains through 2010, and the overall outlook for the market will improve significantly compared to 2000 to 2005 as nonresidential and nonbuilding construction activity expands. While manufactured goods markets will provide solid prospects through 2010, the gains will slow somewhat from the 2000 to 2005 period as lower-cost imports continue to penetrate the market and U.S. automakers continue moving production offshore to reduce costs.
Shipments of nonportable high-intensity discharge (HID) and other nonincandescent fixtures, such as those using light-emitting diodes (LEDs), are expected to post above-average gains. HID lamp ballasts and other components used in energy-efficiency lighting retrofits will also benefit from increased focus on energy-efficient lighting systems.