US Cutting Tool Consumption Down 16.7% in January

March 10, 2016

U.S. machine shops and other manufacturers consumed $153.14 million worth of cutting tools during January, 2.1% less than in December and 16.7% less than in January 2015.

Robert Brooks

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Manufacturers’ cutting tool consumption is an indicator of overall manufacturing activity, similar to shipments of durable goods. “The declining statistics coupled with the uncertainty in the manufacturing sector leads to continued caution for the cutting tool industry,” said Brad Lawton, chairman of AMT’s Cutting Tool Product Group.

U.S. machine shops and other manufacturers consumed $153.14 million worth of cutting tools during January, declining 2.1% from December and falling 16.7% from the January 2015 consumption total. Consumption of cutting tools is an indicator of manufacturing activity in general, according to the sponsors of the monthly Cutting Tool Market Report, because cutting tools are “the primary consumable (product) in the manufacturing process.”

The report is compiled and presented by the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI) and AMT - the Association for Manufacturing Technology.

American Machinist is an IndustryWeek companion site within Penton's Manufacturing & Supply Chain Group.

About the Author

Robert Brooks | Content Director

Robert Brooks has been a business-to-business reporter, writer, editor, and columnist for more than 20 years, specializing in the primary metal and basic manufacturing industries. His work has covered a wide range of topics, including process technology, resource development, material selection, product design, workforce development, and industrial market strategies, among others. Currently, he specializes in subjects related to metal component and product design, development, and manufacturing — including castings, forgings, machined parts, and fabrications.

Brooks is a graduate of Kenyon College (B.A. English, Political Science) and Emory University (M.A. English.)