U.S. Machinery Orders Maintain Momentum in April

Despite a typical seasonal slowdown, U.S. machinery orders showed continued strength in April 2025, according to the latest U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders (USMTO) Report from AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology.

Orders Rise Sharply Year Over Year

Metalworking machinery orders totaled $444.9 million for the month, representing a 12.7% decrease from March but a 39.5% increase over April 2024. Year-to-date orders reached $1.69 billion, up 17.8% compared to the same period last year.

Historically, April sees a sharp drop in orders—averaging around 21%—following a strong March, when many machinery manufacturers close out their fiscal year. However, the March-to-April drop this year was just 12.7%, the smallest since 2022.

Factors Driving Demand

Some of the resilience may be linked to anticipated changes in trade policy. Analysts suggest that recent activity could be tied to businesses placing orders ahead of upcoming tariffs on imported goods, as well as increased expectations for domestic manufacturing demand.

Even as overall U.S. manufacturing output fell, machinery producers increased output by 0.3% in April, extending a positive trend that began in October 2024.

Sector Highlights

Contract Machine Shops: Orders fell 6.3% month over month—less than half the decline seen in the overall market—indicating steady demand.
Primary Metal Manufacturers: Orders rose to their highest level since February 2024. With tariffs on metals in place, domestic suppliers may see higher order volumes as they work to meet shifting demand.
Aerospace: Orders dropped nearly 50% from March levels but remained slightly above the monthly average for 2024.

Cautious Optimism Ahead

The National Association of Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey reported a sharp decline in economic optimism among industry leaders. However, respondents still anticipate modest increases in capital investment over the next 12 months—though at a slower pace than forecast earlier in the year.