McLean, Va. (January 20, 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 $206.1 million in November 2025. Orders decreased 17.6% from October 2025 but were up 9.9% from November 2024. Year-to-date shipments totaled $2.34 billion, up 1.3% from the same period in 2024.
“Cutting tool manufacturers and importers are doing their best to control prices, but it has become more apparent that the overall prices for carbide and HSS-based products are on the rise,” said Jack Burley, chairman of AMT’s Cutting Tool Product Group and president of Big Daishowa, a cutting tool manufacturer. “The latest trend shows that more products are sold in terms of total dollars, but the number of units delivered remains normal. Agriculture and automotive production remain flat, whereas aerospace and defense continue to produce at very high levels. As we approach 2026, I am optimistic that costs and production will settle in for unit growth after a turbulent year of uncertainty.”
Steve Stokey, executive vice president and owner of Allied Machine and Engineering, a cutting tool manufacturer, said: “The market typically shows a significant drop-off in November, and this year was no exception. That seasonal dip also impacted the three-month moving average in typical fashion. The good news is the 12-month moving average continues its gradual upward trend. 2025 was anything but normal – but what’s new in business? We persevere, we figure it out, and we keep serving our customers. The trends suggest the table is set for a stronger 2026. It should be exciting to start selling in a rising-tide environment again!”
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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