The U.S. Government compiles a number of key statistical indices that are of interest to the paint and coatings industry. These data are compiled by the U.S. Bureau of the Census (part of the Department of Commerce) and the Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The Census Bureau collects and issues statistics on the paint and coatings industry on a quarterly, annual, and five-year basis.* The BLS collects data on pricing of both "prepared paint" as well as the raw material inputs going into coatings, which is compiled into a paint materials index figure. The BLS statistics allow coatings manufacturers to understand the effect on inflation in the coatings market.
* Census Bureau figures are typically published first as preliminary figures and are sometimes later revised and republished. For more information or to ascertain whether or not the figures noted have been revised, go to http://www.census.gov/cir/www/325/mq325f.html (Quarterly reports) or http://www.census.gov/cir/www/325/ma325f.html to view the most recent Current Industrial Reports for this category.
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