The NEMA Lighting Systems Index is a composite measure of NEMA member companies’ U.S. shipments of a variety of lighting products, including lamps, luminaires, ballasts, emergency lighting, and exit signs, and is designed to track underlying demand for these types of equipment. Product shipments data are drawn from statistical surveys conducted regularly by NEMA and are adjusted for inflation and regularly recurring seasonal fluctuations.

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2007, Third Quarter

Lighting Index Edges Lower in Third Quarter of 2007
NEMA’s Lighting Systems Index slipped during the third quarter of 2007, declining 0.5 percent from the second quarter of this year. Domestic demand for lighting equipment has trended lower for more than a year now as inflation-adjusted shipments have contracted on a year-over-year basis in each of the last five quarters, including the 2.2 percent drop in the most recent quarter. With respect to the index’s various categories, fixtures and emergency lighting equipment saw shipments increase compared to a year ago, but ballast, miniature lamps and large lamps all experienced a decline relative to the third quarter of 2006. Full Report (53k)

2006, Fourth Quarter

Lighting Systems Index Tumbles at the Close of 2006
NEMA’s Lighting Systems Index fell 9.4 percent between the third and fourth quarters of 2006 and was off 5.6 percent on a year-over-year basis. The fourth quarter marked the third straight quarterly decline from a post-recession peak achieved in early 2006. Full Report  (52k)

2006, Third Quarter

Shipment of Lighting Equipment Decline for Second Consecutive Quarter
NEMA's Lighting Systems Index slipped 0.6 percent between the second and third quarter of 2006. Domestic shipments of emergency lighting, fixtures, and large and miniature lamps all posted increases from the prior quarter, while fluorescent ballasts experienced a decline in shipments before adjustment for typical seasonal variations. Despite the gains registered in four of the five underlying component categories, the index still declined because shipments failed to increase at a rate that is typically expected for this time of year. Full Report (46k)

2006, Second Quarter

Lighting Equipment Demand Eases During Second Quarter of 2006
After registering a six-year high in the first quarter of 2006, NEMA’s Lighting Systems Index declined 2.3 percent during the second quarter. As in the prior quarter, the topline index was bolstered by gains in domestic shipments of emergency lighting, fixtures and fluorescent ballasts. However, lower shipments for both large and miniature lamps pushed the index lower. Although demand is weaker when compared to a strong first quarter, the overall level of domestic shipments remains healthy, as evidenced by the index’s 4.6 percent gain from a year ago and 13 percent growth over the past three years. Full Report (148k)

2006, First Quarter

Shipments of Lighting Equipment Surge in First Quarter of 2006
The NEMA Lighting Systems Index increased 7.2 percent during the first quarter of 2006, climbing to its highest reading in nearly six years. The topline index was supported by strong gains in domestic shipments of emergency lighting, fixtures and fluorescent ballasts. Full Report (146k)

2005, Fourth Quarter

NEMA Lighting Systems Index Tumbles in Fourth Quarter of 2005
The NEMA Lighting Systems Index declined 4.5 percent during the fourth quarter of 2005, erasing the index’s relatively steady path of growth over the past two years. In addition, this marks the lowest reading for the index since the first quarter of 2004. Of the five industry segments found in the index, emergency lighting, luminaire and ballast recorded declines during the quarter, more than offsetting the gains for miniature and large lamps. Full Report (150k)

2005, Third Quarter

NEMA Lighting Equipment Shipments Expand in Third Quarter of 2005
The NEMA Lighting Systems Index increased 2.4 percent in the third quarter of 2005, as the index climbed to its highest mark in more than four years. While the index has yet to return to the levels seen at the end of the prior economic expansion, it has risen more than 8 percent from the trough in early 2003. Full Report (149k)

2005, Second Quarter

NEMA Lighting Systems Index Posts Steady Gains in First Half of 2005
The NEMA Lighting Systems Index increased 1.1 percent in the second quarter of 2005, marking the index’s highest reading in four years. Although the index continues to lag the peak level it set in the closing days of the late 1990s economic boom, it has recovered nearly 8 percent from the trough in early 2003. Full Report (143k)

2005, First Quarter

NEMA Lighting Systems Index Rises Modestly in First Quarter of 2005
The NEMA Lighting Systems Index increased 1.4 percent in the first quarter of 2005, partially regaining the declines that occurred in the two prior quarters. Although the index remains well below its peak reached at the end of the late 1990s economic boom, it increased 2.1 percent from a year ago and has also regained more than 6 percent from the trough in early 2003. Full Report (137k)