The near-term business outlook from North American manufacturers of metalformed products collectively held steady in April, despite a modest decline in shipping levels. That’s according to the latest monthly report from the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) that sampled 82 such suppliers in the United States and Canada.

The latest PMA Business Conditions Report, issued April 21, found that 59% of surveyed manufacturers expect no change in general economic activity over the next three months — down from 64% in March. Meanwhile, 30% expect an increase in activity (up from 28% in March) and 11% expect a decrease (up from 8%).

Also from the April report:

• Current shipping levels edged down after rising for three straight months, with 15% of metalformers surveyed reporting a decrease in current average shipping levels (vs. 6% in March); 51% repoted an increase (46% in March); and 34% reported no change (down from 48% in March)
• Metalformers also predict an increase in incoming orders in the next three months, with 46% of respondents predicting an increase in orders (vs. 51% in March); 39% expecting no change (vs. 45% in March); and 15% expecting a decrease (up from 4% in March)
• On the staffing front, the survey showed only 2% of respondents had workers on short time or layoff in March (down fro 6% in March); 44% indicated they are expanding their workforce (up from 39% in March)
• Lead times increased month-over-month, with 20% of April respondents reporting an increase (vs. 12% in March)

“PMA members’ near-term outlook remains relatively steady, but signs of softening in shipping levels and incoming orders suggest growing caution across the metalforming industry,” PMA stated in its April report. “Members are concerned about ongoing tariff policy, trade uncertainty and the availability and cost of critical raw materials including steel, aluminum and copper, as well as machinery and other equipment. These and other issues will be front and center as PMA members meet with Members of Congress and congressional staff this week during the annual One Voice for Manufacturing Legislative Fly-in to 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.