AMT’s Q3 2025 Spot Survey Shows Manufacturers Bracing for More Disruption
This spring, AMT's Q2 2025 survey confirmed what many suspected: tariffs were eating into margins, delaying customer decisions, and creating supply chain whiplash. Over the summer, there were signs of stabilization — firms began adapting to the known risks.
But with the recent announcement of new Section 232 derivative tariffs in Q3, member sentiment shifted sharply. AMT’s latest spot survey reveals a renewed sense of strain, strategic hesitation, and export headwinds across the manufacturing technology sector. This Q3 survey is still open for AMT members wanting to make their voice heard.
5 Things to Know from the Q3 2025 Tariff Survey
1. Margin Pressure Is Worse — and More Lopsided
85% of respondents report that tariffs have reduced their margins, up slightly from 83% in Q2. But what’s changed is intensity: 66% now strongly agree, signaling that the cushion is gone and the squeeze is real. Manufacturers are facing a no-win scenario: raise prices and risk losing deals, or absorb costs and bleed margin.
2. Pricing Tactics Have Shifted to Defense
New Q3 questions asked how companies communicate tariff-related pricing changes. Most said they’ve moved from informal adjustments to formal contract revisions, quote updates, and proactive customer messaging. The tone is less about justification — and more about survival.
3. Exposure Is Broader Than Before
In Q2, 49% of members said tariffs impacted 90% or more of their portfolio. In Q3, that jumped to 61%. Tariffs are now embedded across the entire supply chain — affecting machinery, components, tooling, and automation systems.
4. Strategy Is Stuck in Neutral
Despite increased costs, companies remain hesitant to reshore or pivot sourcing. No major shift in supplier strategy was reported in Q3. The reason? Uncertainty. With Section 232 tariffs layered on top of existing measures, firms lack confidence in where to bet long term.
5. Export Concerns Are Growing
In Q3, AMT added a new question about foreign-imposed tariffs on U.S. goods. Here's what we heard:
51% said these tariffs have not impacted their export business.
37% said they have been moderately affected.
12% reported significant impacts — including lost sales and weakened competitiveness.
This tells us two things:
For many manufacturers, the export situation is stable — for now.
But a notable minority is already seeing real damage, particularly in price-sensitive international markets.
What AMT Members Are Saying
In addition to the quantitative data, we reviewed dozens of open-ended comments to better understand how members are experiencing tariffs on the ground.
More than two-thirds (67%) of Q3 respondents left written feedback. This high engagement underscores the importance and immediacy of the issue. Here’s what members told us:
Some are operating “blindly” and pausing growth plans due to unpredictable policy. One member noted, “We are unable to be competitive in certain markets. Tariffs are pricing us out". Another mentioned that, “The capricious nature of changing tariff policy is killing long-term investment. We’ve paused several growth plans".
A smaller group is holding steady, managing exposure through cost control or contract flexibility. One member mentioned, "We have maintained our pricing as we have a cost structure that supports it currently".
We’ll continue to monitor this space, and we encourage you to keep sharing your experiences with us.
Looking for Additional Support to Navigate Tariffs?
Take AMT’s Tariff Survey: Your voice matters. By completing AMT’s Tariff Survey, you ensure that the real impact of tariffs on your business is represented in Washington as we advocate on your behalf. We work with other manufacturing associations and relevant agency and congressional staff to amplify your concerns at the federal level – add your perspective today.
Contact AMT Research at research@amtonline.org to elevate your story or request support.
