Manufacturers of metalformed products anticipate improved economic conditions over the next three months, according to the latest monthly report from the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA).
The latest PMA Business Conditions Report, issued Dec. 22, found that only 26% of surveyed manufacturers expect an increase in general economic activity in the next three months — up from just 14% in November. 57% percent of respondents expect no change (51% in Nov) — while 17% expect a decrease (35% in Nov).
Metalformers also predict an increase in incoming orders in the next three months, with 48% of respondents affirming a rise, up from 31% in November, while 32% expect no change, (36% in Nov), and only 20% expect a decrease, down from 33 in November.
The improved outlook is despite a decline in current shipping levels. Only 11% of respondents reported an increase in December (down from 21% in Nov), 38% reported no change (39% in Nov) and 51% reported a decrease (up from 40% in Nov).
Other notes:
- On the staffing front, only 9% of respondents reported having workers on short time or layoff in December (14% in Nov), while 29% indicated they are expanding their workforce (26% in Nov)
- Lead times increased in December, with 13% of respondents reporting an increase (9% in Nov)
“As we look toward 2026, our members are feeling confident about the year ahead,” said David Klotz, PMA President. “That confidence reflects the resilience metalforming manufacturers demonstrated in 2025—and that resilience is already translating into plans for increased economic activity in early 2026. What manufacturers need now is greater certainty and a more stable policy environment to sustain this momentum. We remain optimistic that the year ahead will bring policies that strengthen domestic manufacturing, and we will continue advocating for that stability through our advocacy team in Washington, D.C.”
PMA is the full-service trade association representing the $137-billion metalforming industry of North America that creates precision metal products using stamping, fabricating, spinning, slide forming and roll forming technologies and other value-added processes. Its more than 900 member companies also include suppliers of equipment, materials and services to the industry.
