From Trade Policy to Industrial Policy
Recent manufacturing policy in Washington has been dominated by tariffs, investigations, court decisions, and trade negotiations. Now, policymakers are increasingly focused on a harder question: how to rebuild manufacturing capacity in the United States.
April 2026 US Cutting Tool Shipments Totaled $258.9M, Up 21.1% From April 2025
Shipments of cutting tools totaled $258.9 million in April 2026. The value of shipments decreased 0.1% from March 2026 but was up 21.1% from April 2025. Unit shipments decreased slightly in April after rising the previous two months.
Automation Fuels Strong Start to 2026 Manufacturing Technology Orders
New orders of metalworking machinery totaled $593.6 million in April 2026, a 12.5% decline from March 2026, but a 33.2% increase from April 2025. So far this year, manufacturing technology orders have totaled $2.19 billion, a 28.9% increase over 2025.
The Legal Fight Over Section 122 Tariffs Intensifies
The legal battle over the administration’s Section 122 tariffs has escalated significantly since early May, adding another layer of uncertainty for manufacturers already navigating a rapidly shifting trade environment.
March 2026 US Cutting Tool Shipments Totaled $259.3M, Up 24.6% From March 2025
Shipments of cutting tools totaled $259.3 million in March 2026, increasing 15.2% from February 2026 and 24.6% from March 2025. Year-to-date shipments totaled $705.1 million, up 15.9% from the same period in 2025.
Machinery Orders Continue Rally in Q1 2026 Despite Uncertainty From Iran War
New orders of metalworking machinery totaled $681.3 million in March 2026, increasing 40.3% from February 2026 and 31.5% from March 2025. Manufacturing technology orders totaled $1.61 billion for the first quarter of 2026, up 27.8% year over year.
Tariff Refunds: Real Money — but No Relief Yet
Following the Supreme Court decision that struck down tariffs imposed under IEEPA, the federal government has begun issuing refunds estimated at more than $150 billion. However, for most companies, the practical impact will take time to materialize.
February 2026 US Cutting Tool Shipments Totaled $225.1M, Up 12.8% From February 2025
Shipments of cutting tools, measured by the Cutting Tool Market Report, totaled $225.1 million in February 2026, increasing 2% from January 2026 and 12.8% from February 2025. Year-to-date shipments are up 11.3% from the same period in 2025.
Momentum of Late-2025 Machinery Demand Carries Into the First 2 Months of 2026
New orders of metalworking machinery totaled $488.9 million in February 2026, increasing 10.7% over January 2026 and 27.4% over February 2025. The total order value through February 2026 has reached $930.5 million, 26% above the first two months of 2025.
SBA Launches Loan Guarantee Program To Support U.S. Manufacturing Investment
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced a new “Made in America Loan Guarantee” to expand domestic manufacturing capacity. Eligible small manufacturers can use the funds to upgrade equipment, modernize facilities, expand, and reshore production.