David Shiller

  China’s tightening of rare earth export controls, this month, has intensified global supply chain concerns with specific repercussions for the lighting industry. Beijing’s Ministry of Commerce expanded its rare earth export list, adding five new elements for a total of twelve. The new regulations extend beyond raw materials, also covering refining technologies, equipment, and [...]

  Surging electricity prices have shifted voter sentiment in Virginia, New Jersey, and Maine, introducing energy policy as a defining issue in U.S. politics. Electricity rates—up 21 percent in New Jersey and expected to climb substantially in Virginia—are amplifying frustrations among households and small businesses, fueling electoral volatility heading into the gubernatorial elections and shaping [...]

  Contemporary water feature lighting merges art and technology to create immersive outdoor and architectural experiences. In 2025, designers are using dynamic lighting systems to enhance fountains, waterfalls, ponds, and interactive public installations, emphasizing both ecological sensitivity and emotional impact. The focus has shifted from static illumination to dynamic scenes that translate the character of [...]

  New research from KPMG reveals that artificial intelligence (AI) systems have the potential to reduce energy waste in buildings by up to 30%, significantly improving energy efficiency and supporting sustainability goals. This is particularly important as buildings contribute roughly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and with urban populations expected to reach 70% by [...]

  NEMRA’s Rep of the Future 2025 report highlights sweeping changes shaping the independent manufacturer’s representative (rep) landscape in the electrical distribution industry. Driven by accelerating technological, demographic, and economic trends, the report outlines how firms must evolve to meet rising expectations and thrive through 2030. Industry Context: Change as the New Constant Over the [...]

  Here is a quick summary of 9 acquisitions, 2 closures / liquidations, 1 brand relaunch, and 1 merger of two brands within an existing ownership umbrella, in the third quarter of 2025: Porter Lighting Shuts Down. More here. Innovations Lighting acquired Brass Traditions. More here. Fagerhult Group acquired Capelon. More here. Hudson Valley Lighting [...]

  The 2025 Q3 Pulse of the Lighting Market report is produced by Channel Marketing Group with William Blair. The Q3 2025 report finds that the U.S. lighting industry faced a challenging, largely stagnant quarter, with most companies experiencing low or no growth, even after factoring in price increases driven by new tariffs. Increased prices [...]

  On Friday, the United States and China reignited their trade war in dramatic fashion, raising significant concerns about near-term economic volatility and long-term global implications. After months of relative calm, President Donald Trump announced the imposition of sweeping 100% tariffs on all Chinese imports, effective November 1, in retaliation for China’s newly tightened export [...]

  A new emergency rule issued by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, aimed at improving roadway safety by restricting eligibility for non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) and commercial learner’s permits. This action follows a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) audit revealing that several states, notably California, issued CDLs to drivers who were ineligible [...]