The United States architectural glass and glazing market outlook remains subdued at the start of 2026, according to annual industry research conducted by Key Media & Research (KMR). KMR is the parent company of

lass magazine and the provider of GlassData™, a subscription-based platform highlighting key metrics and indicators specific to the glass industry.

According to KMR’s research division, its annual Contract Glazier Outlook Index (CGOI), a numerical measurement of the optimism and current health of the glass and glazing industry, decreased notably from a year ago.

“We’re still in the analysis phase, but an initial look at our industry-wide survey data suggests general sentiment among the industry is less positive than in recent years,” says Nick St. Denis, KMR’s vice president of research and data.

KMR’s CGOI comprises several key drivers, including:

Currently, the index sits at its second-lowest point since it was established in 2017, with the only lower mark at the start of 2021 due to the pandemic. Key concerns among glazing contractors include ongoing labor shortages, wage pressure, material costs, tariffs, interest rates, tight credit and regulatory complexity.

“There are also some areas of optimism, particularly centered around certain institutional building categories, as well as renovation and retrofit activity,” says St. Denis. “Some respondents also mentioned the possibility of easing interest rates as an incremental positive.”

Despite a lukewarm outlook in the near future, a majority of glazing contractors expect an increase in sales in 2026 compared to 2025. Survey data of glass retailers and glass fabricators yielded similar expectations.

The February issue of

lass magazine will feature highlights from the 2026 index data, as well as its annual listing of the Top 50 Contract Glaziers.