McLean, Va. (March 19, 2025) — Today the Federal Reserve held its target federal funds rate steady at a target range of 4.25% to 4.5% for the second meeting in a row. The median forecast for 2025 GDP growth from members of the Federal Open Market Committee was downgraded to 1.7%, below the committee’s estimate of the long-term trend, with the expectation that consumer spending will moderate. Forecasts for unemployment in 2025 expanded slightly along with projections for inflation.
“The past few months have seen demand for manufacturing technology increase after a shallow, two-year decline,” said Christopher Chidzik, principal economist of AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. “Despite the downgrade to the Fed’s growth projections, demand will likely continue to increase in 2025 as constructions of new manufacturing facilities increase, capacity utilization in the aerospace sector continues to rise, and demand for automation remains strong.”
To learn how this affects the outlook for manufacturing technology orders through the remainder of 2025, attend AMT's 2025 Spring Economic Update Webinar on Thursday, May 8. Registration is free. In the meantime, AMT members and those in the wider manufacturing community can submit a research request to learn more.
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Members of AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology build and sell metalworking machinery, commonly known as machine tools, as well as the workholding, tooling, inspection equipment, and automation integral to modern manufacturing.
