Economy

PMA Report Indicates Continued Market Weakness
Written by Sandy Williams
November 22, 2019
Metalforming companies reported continued weakness in the market in the latest survey by the Precision Metalforming Association. The PMA November 2019 Business Conditions Report showed 34 percent of participants expect a decline in economic activity and 51 percent expect no change.
“The November PMA Business Conditions Report showed little change from the previous month. Metalforming companies remain concerned about market conditions as they continue to see a slowdown in incoming orders and an overall softening of the market,” said PMA President David Klotz. “This corresponds with soft market conditions reported by PMA members’ customers in the automotive, aviation, appliance and other sectors. Ending the tariffs on steel and aluminum imports is one way that the administration can provide some stability to the market, as the tariffs are negatively affecting both steel users and steel producers.”
Average daily shipping level improved slightly in November, but metalforming companies predict that incoming orders will decline during the next three months.
Fifteen percent of companies surveyed reported a portion of their workforce on short time or layoff, compared to 12 percent in October and 6 percent a year ago.
Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Economy
US sets Section 232 tariffs on trucks and buses
Medium- and heavy-duty trucks (MHDV) and buses imported to the US will start being charged Section 232 tariffs beginning Nov. 1.
AMU: Consumer auto delinquencies: Warning sign for consumer health?
The Consumer Federation of America estimates rising total auto debt at a staggering $1.66 trillion, along with increasing repossessions and a sharp increase in delinquencies.
Beige Book: Regional market growth remains mostly flat
Economic growth in some US regions in September was offset by challenges in others, causing the market to appear largely unchanged overall, according to the Federal Reserve’s latest Beige Book report.
ISM September survey captures deepening manufacturing gloom
The Institute for Supply Management’s (ISM) latest monthly report on manufacturing reflects a bleak view of American industry in September.
Key industries concerned over government shutdown’s impact on steel, manufacturing
Trade groups cautioned that a prolonged shutdown could strain US industry.
