Industry vs. Market
Industries tend to be broad, while markets can be as specific as a type of product or a brand. Expand your search to the broader industry category if information is limited on your specific market. Emerging or niche industries also may not have a full profile/report.
Industry classification systems are created to promote data comparability. SIC and NAICS (both created by the US government) are the most widely used.
Search SIC (Standard Industrial Classification)
Search NAICS (North American Industrial Classification System)
Market Size
Most industry profiles in databases have information on market size. You can also use the Economic Census data.
It is not always easy to find market size information on a very narrow or specific industry/market. Look for mentions of it in articles or on the web. When all else fails, you may have to make an educated guess based on existing information.
Library Databases with Industry Overviews & Market Research
- Gale Business: Insights This link opens in a new window
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Easily find information on companies, industries and more in the context of timely news, statistical data, and in-depth reports.
- Business Source Premier This link opens in a new window
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Scholarly journals, professional publications, and magazines on all aspects of business. Includes Datamonitor Company and Industry Profiles.
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Economic Indicators & Other Data
- U.S. Census Economic IndicatorsReports include construction spending, housing vacancies and homeownership, new residential sales and new residential construction.
- Economic IndicatorsEconomic information on prices, wages, production, business activity, purchasing power, credit, money and Federal finance.
- Statistical Abstract of the United StatesThe authoritative and comprehensive summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic organization of the United States.
Want to dig further? Check out our full guide: