New orders for metalworking machinery in the United States rose sharply in October 2025, reaching $538.9 million and marking one of the strongest monthly performances in recent years.
Data from the U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report (USMTO), compiled by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, show that October orders were more than 40% higher than a year earlier and about 9% above September levels. Both the volume of machines purchased and the total value of orders climbed to their highest point since early 2023.
Growth in manufacturing technology investment has been sustained throughout the year. Orders recorded during the first ten months of 2025 totaled $4.47 billion, representing a nearly 20% increase compared with the same period in 2024. October also stood out as the third month this year in which new orders exceeded the $500 million threshold.
According to the report, continued capital spending reflects steady demand from consumers and public-sector buyers, as well as the influence of renewed tax incentives that have encouraged manufacturers to move forward with equipment purchases.
Several key industries played a major role in October’s strong results.
Contract machine shops, the largest buyers of manufacturing technology, registered their highest monthly order value since March 2023. The data point to rising average order sizes, signaling growing adoption of automated and higher-capability equipment across the supply chain.
The aerospace sector also posted a notable increase, recording its strongest order value since March 2025. These investments came amid the resolution of government-related disruptions and shortly before the end of labor action affecting Boeing’s defense operations.
Manufacturers of turbines, engines, and other power transmission systems significantly lifted their spending as well. Order values in this segment reached their highest level since early 2023, while unit volumes climbed to levels not seen since 2022. The surge was linked to sustained electricity demand from data centers, driving new investment in power generation assets and upgrades to existing facilities.
Although some analysts continue to warn of a potential industrial slowdown in 2026, the latest figures suggest that several manufacturing segments are still expanding capacity and maintaining growth at a pace that exceeds broader economic trends.
