The latest monthly summary of machine tool orders shows U.S. machine shops and other manufacturers increased their capital investments to $389.9 million during February 2025, up 9.9% from January and up 12.5% from February 2024. The U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders report issued by AMT - the Assn. of Manufacturing Technology shows the two-month total for manufacturing technology orders in 2025 is $744.74 million, 8.8% higher than the January-February 2024 total.
“In addition to the uptick in the value of machinery ordered, unit sales have rebounded in 2025. For much of 2024, growth in the number of units sold lagged the increase in the total value of orders. That trend has reversed in 2025,” according to the summary statement by AMT.
The USMTO is a monthly summary of capital equipment purchases in order value and machine units, nationwide and in six regions. It serves as an indicator of future manufacturing activity because it quantifies machining operations’ investments in preparation for new production programs.
In particular, AMT noted the improved results in the value of orders from contract machine shops, the largest buying segment for manufacturing technology. Those operations’ February orders were up nearly 25% from January.
In contrast, AMT reported that aerospace manufacturers’ orders decreased “sharply” from January to February, although the number of units ordered rose “slightly.”
Between those two readings, AMT noted that manufacturers of electrical equipment nearly doubled the number of machines ordered during February, and yet the total value of their orders was about even with January’s result.
Whether the trend reversal AMT identified in the February data signals a long-anticipated, sustained recovery in demand is difficult to determine. AMT offered two alternative readings on the impact that widespread tariffs on imported products may have on demand for new machines: that businesses lowered stock valuations may reduce corporate earnings, and thus weaken business and consumer confidence; or, that businesses may choose to invest in new technology, in order to recover the profitability that may be lost due to reduced valuations.
