New research validates the powerful impact of advertising in driving the US economy.  A new study, commissioned by The Advertising Coalition and conducted by IHS Markit, found that advertising generated $7.1 trillion in sales activity and supported 28.5 million US jobs last year. 

The study found that the total impact of advertising and its multiplier effects represented 18.5% of U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) and supported nearly one-fifth of all American jobs in 2020.

"This important study proves what we've known all along," said ANA CEO Bob Liodice.  "The advertising industry is an engine of growth for the American economy and holds an unparalleled role across the country in sparking, sustaining, and stimulating economic activity that keeps our communities vital and dynamic."

The study was the first analysis of the economic impact of advertising by IHS Markit on behalf of The Advertising Coalition in seven years. The last research showed the industry driving $5.1 trillion in consumer sales and supporting 20 million US jobs in 2014.

The current study examined advertising spending in the U.S. and the cascade of contributions to the economy, such as advertising to stimulate sales, purchases of goods and services throughout the supply chain, and the re-spending of wages by employees in the advertising industry. The IHS Markit research was commissioned by The Advertising Coalition, an organization comprised of media companies and national trade associations representing advertising-centric members.