Canada
July 30, 2026
PMA: Metalformers expect steady market conditions despite dogged headwinds
Written by David Schollaert
The July Business Conditions report issued by the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) found the sector remains broadly stable but is becoming more cautious.
Mark Getsay, PMA managing director, acknowledges resilience, but emphasizes mounting caution around continued challenges.
“PMA’s July report reflects that metalformers remain resilient but are becoming increasingly cautious,” said Getsay. “Members are managing through supply-chain challenges, higher costs, and changing tariff policies that complicate business planning, but most respondents continue to expect activity to remain steady as they carefully balance investment, hiring and production decisions.”
This month’s report showed most respondents expect general economic activity and incoming orders to remain steady over the next three months, while fewer anticipated softening vs. June.
Still, current shipping activity and hiring slipped in the July report. And the share of companies expanding their workforce fell to 46% from 54% in June, while those reporting short time or layoffs increased to 6% from 1%.
Nearly half of respondents (48%) expected orders to remain unchanged over the next three months. Another 34% anticipated an increase, while the balance expected a decrease.
Dynamics continue to point to broadly steady order expectations, with modest underlying optimism. So while companies expect orders to remain mostly steady, current shipping data suggests some near-term softening.
Lead times improved, with fewer companies reporting longer waits. Overall, manufacturers are managing through the latest headwinds while taking a more measured approach to production, investment and hiring.
The PMA report samples 85 metalforming companies in the US and Canada to provide an economic indicator for the next three months of manufacturing.
