This is a published version of the AMT NOW newsletter. You can sign up to get AMT NOW in your inbox here.
Forecasting 2026 From the 2026 AMT Winter Economic Forum
While manufacturing technology order values have hit record highs, unit numbers have not. Learn what the experts at the AMT Winter Economic Forum expect for 2026.
Accelerating Success for Tim Thiessen
Okuma’s senior vice president of sales, Tim Thiessen, leverages AMT membership to strengthen relationships and drive long-term growth.
Tariff Update: New 10% Global Duty Takes Effect, With Potential Increase Ahead
The recent Supreme Court decision striking down reciprocal tariffs eliminated one key tariff pathway, but the Trump administration moved quickly to replace it, so manufacturers and importers should prepare for ongoing complexity in trade policy.
News You Can Use
The long-awaited Season 4 of “Road Trippin’ with Steve” kicks off at SMW Autoblok, a workholding juggernaut of custom solutions for modern manufacturing.
In the fourth quarter of 2025, U.S. GDP grew at a 1.4% real annualized rate after declines in government spending, exports, and consumer spending.
From new plant inaugurations to landmark acquisitions, Mexico and Brazil are cementing their status in 2026 as premier destinations for global industrial capital.
Cutting tool shipments totaled $215 million in December 2025, an increase of 4.3% from November 2025 and 17.1% from December 2024.
Have you done significant reshoring or nearshoring? Apply for the ninth annual National Metalworking Reshoring Award before April 30.
By the Numbers
The U.S. economy grew 2.2% in 2025 after inflation, down from the 2.8% growth seen in 2024. A whipsaw in trade flows and the extended government shutdown in the last quarter contributed to the declines. Strength in consumption despite persistent inflation and business investment continued to keep the economy moving in a positive direction.
Utilize AMT’s research services to keep abreast of the latest economic data and find out what it could mean for your business in the coming months.
Upcoming Events
March 10-12, 2026: The 2026 MFG Meeting in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The hotel group rate ends Feb. 13.
September 14-19, 2026: IMTS 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
October 10-16, 2026: The MTForecast Conference in Schaumburg, Illinois.
Member News
Strategic alliances between AEC and Meltio, distribution growth from Mastrex and Platinum Tooling, and workforce investment from Big Daishowa and DMG Mori headline this edition. Plus, leadership, facility, and event updates from MIT, Mazak, Methods, Edge, Mitsubishi HC Capital, SMW Autoblok, Xometry, and ASTM International.
This is a published version of the AMT NOW newsletter. You can sign up to get AMT NOW in your inbox here.



