Machine Tool Orders Drop
What happened
U.S. manufacturing saw a steep drop in machine tool orders in January, though volumes remain above 2025 levels reported.
Why it matters
January 2026 U.S. Machine Tool Orders (USMTO) totaled $363.8 million, a 24.8% decrease from December 2025. However, this figure is still 4.4% higher than the $348.4 million recorded in January 2025. The Association For Manufacturing Technology (AMT) compiles and publishes the USMTO data. AMT President Steve Kline attributed the drop to "typical seasonality" and the end of several large projects. Despite the monthly drop, Kline remains optimistic, citing strong manufacturing activity and healthy backlogs. He anticipates continued capital investment throughout 2026.
Key numbers
- manufacturing saw a steep drop in machine tool orders in January, though volumes remain above 2025 levels reported.
- Machine Tool Orders (USMTO) totaled $363.8 million, a 24.8% decrease from December 2025.
- However, this figure is still 4.4% higher than the $348.4 million recorded in January 2025.
- He anticipates continued capital investment throughout 2026.
Sources
Quick answers
What happened in Machine Tool Orders Drop?
U.S. manufacturing saw a steep drop in machine tool orders in January, though volumes remain above 2025 levels reported.
Why does Machine Tool Orders Drop matter?
January 2026 U.S. Machine Tool Orders (USMTO) totaled $363.8 million, a 24.8% decrease from December 2025. However, this figure is still 4.4% higher than the $348.4 million recorded in January 2025. The Association For Manufacturing Technology (AMT) compiles and publishes the USMTO data. AMT President Steve Kline attributed the drop to "typical seasonality" and the end of several large projects. Despite the monthly drop, Kline remains optimistic, citing strong manufacturing activity and healthy backlogs. He anticipates continued capital investment throughout 2026.
