August 11, 2026
Survey: Industry Confidence Remains Firm in July
Current conditions barely move while the six-month outlook stays positive
Each month, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) publishes the Electroindustry Business Confidence Index (EBCI), a monthly survey designed to gauge business sentiment among North American electrical equipment manufacturers, including many lighting companies. It offers a quick pulse check on how manufacturers feel about current conditions and what they expect six months out.
Current Conditions held nearly flat in July, registering 63.0 compared to June's 63.2, comfortably above the expansionary threshold. Thirty-nine percent of respondents reported better conditions, 13 percent reported worse, and 48 percent said conditions were unchanged, a slightly larger share than the prior month. Respondents pointed to continued strength in data center, energy, infrastructure, and industrial demand, though tariff uncertainty, raw material costs, and procurement delays continued to weigh on activity.
The six-month outlook eased somewhat but remained solidly positive. Future Conditions registered 73.9, down from June's 76.3, with 61 percent of respondents still expecting improvement over the next six months. Comments again cited demand tied to data centers, energy, and grid infrastructure, alongside lingering concerns about trade policy, inflation, interest rates, and geopolitical risk.
A Note for Lighting Readers
As in recent months, respondent comments lean heavily on data center and grid-related demand to explain the positive tone. That demand does not always translate directly into lighting orders, so readers focused specifically on lighting and architectural projects should weigh the six-month outlook with that distinction in mind.
Source: National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) Electroindustry Business Confidence Index (EBCI) survey. Used with permission.
