Metal Formers Share Optimistic Outlook for Q1 2026
December 23, 2025Comments
Metal forming manufacturers shared their optimism for the first quarter of 2026 when responding to a December 2025 business-conditions survey from the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA). The latest PMA Business Conditions Report finds that 26% of manufacturers surveyed anticipate an increase in general economic activity in the next three months, up from 14% in November, and only 17% expect a decrease in activity, compared to 35% November. In addition, 48% of metal formers forecast an increase in incoming orders in the next three months, up from 31% in November, and only 20% predict a decrease in orders, down from 33% in November.
This increased optimism comes despite a decline in current shipping levels. Only 11% of metal formers reported an increase in current average daily shipping levels in December, down from 21% in November, and 51% reported a decrease in shipping levels, up from 40% last month.
“As we look toward 2026, PMA members are feeling confident about the year ahead,” says PMA president David Klotz. “That confidence reflects the resilience that metal forming manufacturers demonstrated in 2025—and that resilience already has translated 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.”
See also: Precision Metalforming Association
Technologies: Management
