January Manufacturing Tech Orders Highest Since 2022
U.S. manufacturing technology orders saw their strongest January performance since 2022, according to the latest U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. Orders totaled $357.3 million in January 2025, representing a 5.7% increase over January 2024, despite a 29.8% decline from December 2024.
Compared to an average January, the dollar value of orders was 16.2% higher, though the number of units sold was 12.2% below average, marking the lowest unit total for January since 2016.
Contract machine shops, the largest buyer segment, had a weaker start to the year. After showing signs of recovery in late 2024, their orders fell by nearly one-third from December, reversing recent gains. The year-over-year decline, however, was less severe than in prior January comparisons.
The aerospace sector also saw a drop in orders, reaching its lowest level since the September 2024 Boeing strike. January 2025 orders were down by half from December, yet still 11% higher than the same time last year. Aerospace output also rose, suggesting potential growth in demand.
In contrast, automotive manufacturers sharply cut back on equipment purchases, reducing orders to nearly two-thirds below December 2024 levels, as vehicle and parts production declined. Overall manufacturing output dipped modestly to start the year.
Among customer industries, medical equipment manufacturers stood out, posting their highest order level since September 2023, reinforcing the sector’s growing influence in the manufacturing technology market.
Analysts note that order activity may be stabilizing after a prolonged two-year downturn. Historical trends show that following the 2015–2016 slump, the industry experienced 31 months of continuous growth, resulting in a 42% increase in orders.
However, uncertainty around global trade and a downgraded global growth forecast from Oxford Economics could temper optimism. While indicators such as rising capacity utilization could support growth in Q1 2025, continued hesitation around capital investments may limit momentum.
