Economy

PMA Report Indicates Continued Market Weakness

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.