ISA on Trump Tariffs and Consequences

The International Sign Association (ISA; Alexandria, VA) has just issued the following statement to Signs of the Times:

“ISA is very concerned about the economic consequences of broad-based tariffs, which have the potential to disrupt the supply chain and cause significant financial and sourcing instability throughout the sign and graphics industry. We also know that these types of disruptions have a trickle-down effect, with new businesses unable to open or advertise their location.”

“ISA is working with like-minded organizations, including the National Association of Manufacturers and others, to support policies that create economic stability throughout the manufacturing sector.”

Signs of the Times can also report that a number of our own advertising partners and prospects have recently decided against advertising, including sponsorship of the 2025 Women in Signs Awards, or are formulating revised plans due to the tariffs recently imposed by the Trump administration.

While we cannot comment on any direct effect thus far to the ISA 2025 International Sign Expo this April in Las Vegas, we will point out that many of our partners overlap with Expo sponsors and exhibitors.

Our January 2025 issue’s Buzz Session reported our December 2024 Brain Squad survey’s responses to “Do you think the change of presidential administration will be good for your sign business?” and “What do you foresee as the degree of change in business you expect in 2025 vs. 2024?” A couple of Brain Squad members expressed concern about the then-promised but not-yet-imposed tariffs.

Signs of the Times will continue to follow this developing situation closely.

Contact us at editor@signsofthetimes.com.