PMA Expects Downturn Over Next 3 Months

Metalformers are expecting a downturn in business conditions during the next three months according the May 2017 Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) Business Conditions Report. The PMA report is an economic indicator for manufacturing, sampling 117 metalforming companies in the United States and Canada.

Participants were less optimistic about improvement in general economic activity during the next three months. In May, 33 percent of participants predicted improvement (down from 45 percent in April), 55 percent expect no change (up from 47 percent), and 12 percent expect activity to decline (compared to 8 percent previously). Incoming orders are also expected to drop.