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Economics and Business

Industry Profiles

Industry Surveys can be used for information about the current business environment, regulations, developments, and issues that impact companies operating within that industry.
It should explain how the industry operates, who the leading companies are, and facts about suppliers and regulations

Trade Publications

Trade Associations (also called trade groups, industry groups, business associations, etc.) are often the only place to find current statistics or trends for an industry. 
They exist at the local, regional, national, or international level and may publish information for practitioners in the industry.
They are very useful for learning the vocabulary of an industry, the key players, and current issues or trends.

Industry Codes

Industry Classification Code

are helpful for finding industry information since many databases allow you to search by industry code.

NAICS and its precursor SIC organize businesses into categories. 

Note: NAICS is the main standard although some agencies and databases continue to use the SIC system.

Industry Information

Office of Industry Analysis
  • Evaluate the potential effects of U.S government regulations and domestic policies on industries.
  • Maximize U.S. gains in trade negotiations and support U.S. trade laws.
  • Provide trade and industry data to underpin the development of national economic policies.
  • Industry regulations, Trade statistics and laws.
Mergentonline
  • Public company and competitor information.
  • Large industry outlook publications.
Industry at a Glance Home - Bureau of Labor Statistics
  • Over 100 industry pages displaying a 'snapshot' of national data obtained from different BLS surveys and programs.

American FactFinder is the statistical tool for the Census Bureau.
Use the "Quick Search" box to search by NAICS code or industry description.