Manufacturing Technology Orders Decline for Third Year but Show Resilience

U.S. manufacturing technology orders totaled $513.8 million in December 2024, the highest level since March 2023, according to the U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders report by AMT – The Association for Manufacturing Technology. December orders rose 15% from November but were 5.4% below December 2023. Total 2024 orders reached $4.7 billion, a 3.8% decline from the previous year.

Despite a third consecutive year of decline, orders remained 9.7% above the annual average since 1998, indicating steady demand. Orders surged after IMTS 2024, with nearly 40% of all orders placed after the show. The aerospace sector led growth with a 32% increase, while automotive orders fell 25% as demand stabilized.

With strong quotation activity in early 2025 and positive economic forecasts, the industry anticipates steady demand, contingent on geopolitical and trade stability.