July U.S. manufacturing technology orders totaled $351.21 million according to the Association For Manufacturing Technology (AMT). This total, as reported by companies participating in the USMTO program, was down 23.6% from June and down 23.6% when compared with the total of $459.44 million reported for July 2012. With a year-to-date total of $2,925.12 million, 2013 is down 7.2% compared with 2012.

These numbers and all data in this report are based on the totals of actual data reported by companies participating in the USMTO program.

“This muted order activity is not atypical for summer months, and is concurrent with other monthly readings that indicated a drop in durable goods orders and a flat industrial production index. Despite this seasonal dip, however, the bigger picture for manufacturing remains positive,” said AMT President Douglas K. Woods. “It’s important to note that in regional USMTO activity, the Northeast and West regions are at their highest average and year-to-date values in 15 years, thanks to the precision parts and aerospace industries. Meanwhile, the PMI posted its third consecutive monthly gain. We anticipate a continued pattern of modest but sustained growth through the end of 2013.”

The USMTO report, compiled by the trade association representing the production and distribution of manufacturing technology, provides regional and national U.S. orders data of domestic and imported machine tools and related equipment. Analysis of manufacturing technology orders provides a reliable leading economic indicator as manufacturing industries invest in capital metalworking equipment to increase capacity and improve productivity. For the full report, visit the website below.