McLean, Va. (April 14, 2026) — Shipments of cutting tools, measured by the Cutting Tool Market Report, a collaboration between AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology and the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI), totaled $225.1 million in February 2026. Orders increased 2% from January 2026 and were up 12.8% from February 2025. Year-to-date shipments totaled $445.8 million, up 11.3% from the same period in 2025. The number of units shipped also increased slightly from January. “The first quarter of 2026 looks a bit better from a sales perspective,” said Mike Stokey, president of USCTI and executive vice president and owner of Allied Machine & Engineering, a cutting tool manufacturer. “Unfortunately, there continues to be uncertainty regarding the cost and supply of raw materials. The leadership and membership of USCTI are keeping a close eye on this issue. These factors, along with the war in the Middle East, are requiring constant attention from our entire industry.” Michelle Kocses, senior economist at ITR Economics, said, “The year is off to a strong start, with cutting tool orders up double digits from the start of 2025. Higher demand is supported by rising industrial activity. Construction machinery, defense, and aerospace markets are leading the growth. Laggards include the heavy truck, light vehicle, and medical equipment markets. Organic market growth will likely drive top lines higher, but it is important to focus on efficiency given multifaceted cost pressures.”
The Cutting Tool Market Report is jointly compiled by AMT and USCTI, two trade associations representing the development, production, and distribution of cutting tool technology and products. It provides a monthly statement on U.S. manufacturers’ consumption of the primary consumable in the manufacturing process, the cutting tool. Analysis of cutting tool consumption is a leading indicator of both upturns and downturns in U.S. manufacturing activity, as it is a true measure of actual production levels.
AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology represents U.S.-based providers of manufacturing technology – the advanced machinery, devices, and digital equipment that U.S. manufacturing relies on to be productive, innovative, and competitive. Located in McLean, Virginia, near the nation’s capital, AMT acts as the industry’s voice to accelerate the pace of innovation, increase global competitiveness, and develop manufacturing’s advanced workforce of tomorrow. With extensive expertise in industry data and market intelligence, as well as a full complement of international business operations, AMT offers its members an unparalleled level of support. AMT also produces IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show, the premier manufacturing technology event in North America. Learn more at AMTonline.org.
The United States Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI) was formed in 1988 and resulted from a merger of the two national associations representing the cutting tool manufacturing industry. USCTI works to represent, promote, and expand the U.S. cutting tool industry and to promote the benefits of buying American-made cutting tools manufactured by its members. The Institute recently expanded its by-laws to include any North American manufacturer and/or remanufacturer of cutting tools, as well as post-fabrication tool surface treatment providers. Members, which number over 80, belong to seven product divisions: Carbide Tooling, Drill & Reamer, Milling Cutter, PCD & PCBN, Tap & Die, Tool Holder and All Other Tooling. A wide range of activities includes a comprehensive statistics program, human resources surveys and forums, development of product specifications and standards, and semi-annual meetings to share ideas and receive information on key industry trends.
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