U.S. Machinery Orders Rise 36.3% in August

U.S. orders for metalworking machinery reached $732.9 million in August 2026, increasing 21.0% from July and 36.3% compared with August 2025, according to the U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders (USMTO) Report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology.

The August total was the third-highest monthly order value on record and came ahead of the September opening of IMTS 2026, the International Manufacturing Technology Show, in Chicago. For the first eight months of 2026, manufacturing technology orders totaled $4.76 billion, up 36.9% from the same period in 2025.

August also extended a record streak of six consecutive months in which manufacturing technology orders exceeded $500 million.

Automation and Aerospace Influence Machinery Spending

Since the current expansion in manufacturing technology orders began in September 2024, the total value of orders has grown nearly three times faster than the number of units ordered, according to AMT.

Several factors have contributed to the difference between order value and unit growth. The aerospace industry, which often purchases higher-value machinery, has represented an increasing share of total orders. Growing demand for manufacturing equipment with integrated automation has also contributed to higher overall order values.

These trends reflect changes in the types of equipment manufacturers are purchasing, as well as the level of investment being made in manufacturing technology.

Contract Machine Shops Show Stronger Demand

August data also indicated increased demand from contract machine shops, with order growth in this segment exceeding the overall market's growth rate.

The development could represent a shift in the sources of demand for manufacturing technology. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have largely driven the current expansion, while contract machine shops have played a smaller role in recent growth.

Historically, rising orders from job shops have preceded broader recoveries in manufacturing technology demand. These businesses provide machining and manufacturing services to customers across multiple industries, making their purchasing activity a potential indicator of wider market conditions.

If the August increase signals a sustained recovery in contract machine shop spending, manufacturing technology orders during the remainder of 2026 could exceed earlier expectations. However, additional data will be needed to determine whether the trend continues.

Manufacturing Technology Market Outlook

The August results point to continued strength in U.S. manufacturing technology spending, supported by higher-value machinery purchases, automation investment and increased demand from contract machine shops.

Industry forecasts and subsequent monthly order reports will help determine whether the current pace of growth continues through the end of the year.

AMT scheduled its MTForecast conference for Oct. 14–16, 2026, in Schaumburg, Illinois, to examine the industries driving manufacturing technology demand and the outlook for machinery orders.

The USMTO Report tracks new orders for manufacturing technology in the United States and provides industry data used to assess equipment purchasing activity and manufacturing investment trends.