May Manufacturing Technology Orders Slow, but Maintain Year-Over-Year Gains

New orders for metalworking machinery totaled $392.7 million in May 2025, according to the latest U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report from AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. This figure represents an 11.8% decrease from April 2025.

Despite the month-over-month decline, the market continues to show signs of recovery. May's orders were 2.7% higher than those in May 2024, and every month of 2025 has outperformed its corresponding month in the previous year. Year-to-date, machinery orders have reached $2.09 billion, a 15% increase over the first five months of 2024.

Analysis of the number of units ordered shows a similar trend, with a 4.7% increase through May 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

Sector-specific data highlights significant activity:

• Engine, turbine, and power transmission manufacturers made their largest investment in new metalworking machinery since February 2023, a trend likely linked to increased grid demands from data centers.

• The aerospace sector, which saw record-high orders in March 2023, returned to a more typical monthly average but remains on an upward trend. Factory orders for nondefense aircraft and parts are up 164% year-to-date compared to 2024.

The report notes that manufacturing technology orders remained relatively strong despite economic uncertainty related to tariff policies in April and May. A recently passed tax and spending package may provide more certainty for businesses and could lead to further machinery investments in the second half of 2025.