Metalforming market sentiment improves in January: PMA

Metalforming manufacturers anticipate strong near-term economic conditions that will give way to increasing orders, according to the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) Business Conditions Report for January 2026.

Nearly half of the surveyed manufacturers (49%) predict that within the next three months economic growth will increase. That’s up from 26% in December. Meanwhile, 43% of respondents predict there is no likely change in economic activity, compared to 57% in December. Finally, just 8% of respondents anticipate a decrease in economic activity. That is an improvement from the 17% who expected decreases in December.

Kristen DiLandro

Kristen DiLandro is a reporter for Steel Market Update. Kristen focuses on the micro and macro steel market conditions informing North American spot prices. Following her agency career in advertising, she attained an MFA in Writing from Savannah College of Art and Design. Kristen can be reached at kristen@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-221-8143.