Industrial production increased 0.4% and capacity utilization increased by 0.2% across the U.S. economy from November to December 2025, according to the latest report issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

After ploughing through an extended drought of official statistics because of the government shutdown, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter point for the third consecutive meeting, landing at a target range of 3.5% to 3.75%.

U.S. manufacturing has entered a new age of prosperity, but will manufacturers maintain course to reach new heights, or fall into the trap of nostalgia for a mythologized past?

Amid the fog created by the lack of government statistics, information from private sources could prove to be the lighthouse businesses need to steer by.

In tough times, some companies double down on the familiar. But external conditions signal change – and change can’t be overcome by doing the same thing, only harder.

Check in for the highlights, headlines, and hijinks that matter to manufacturing. These lean news items keep you updated on the latest developments.

In a move widely telegraphed since the last meeting, the Federal Reserve cut the federal funds rate for the second consecutive meeting, landing at a target range of 3.75% to 4.00%.

If the problem of the essential economy is to be solved – and let’s face it, it is a problem – then manufacturers, educational institutions, and governments (local, state, federal) must collaborate to turn this around.

With Sec. 232 tariffs expanding to include critical manufacturing technology products, manufacturers are scrambling for expert guidance and legal clarity. MTForecast, held Oct. 15-17, provides attendees with a crucial lifeline to navigate the turbulence.

Using data from the U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, we can plot FDI data alongside new machinery orders.