Manufacturers of metalformed products are showing a decline in optimism for economic activity over the next three months, according to a monthly report from the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA).

The latest PMA Business Conditions Report, issued Sept. 24, found that 14% of surveyed manufacturers expect an increase in general economic activity in the next three months — down from 27% in August.

Meanwhile, 54% of Sept. respondents expect no change in activity (compared to 49% in August) and 32% expect a decrease, up from 24% in August.

The outlook improved somewhat for incoming orders over the next three months, with 27% of respondents affirming a decline, down slightly from August (30%), while 45% expect no change (47% in August) while 28% expect an increase, up from the prior month (23% in August).

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Current average daily shipping levels held relatively steady in September, with 50% of respondents reporting no change in shipping orders (47% in August), 19% reporting an increase (25% in July) and 31% reporting a decline in levels (28% in August).

Other notes:

• On the staffing front, 11% of respondents reported having workers on short time or layoff in September (8% in August), while 32% indicated they are expanding their workforce (34% in August).
• 13% of respondents reported an increase in lead times in September, down from 20% in August.

“September’s PMA Business Conditions Report reflects the headwinds that manufacturers are facing from ongoing global supply-chain volatility,” said PMA President David Klotz. “Our members are hopeful that as trade negotiations conclude, trade policy will stabilize and make planning more predictable.”