Machine Tool orders dropped significantly in February according to the latest U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders (USMTO) Report.
Orders totaled just over $337 million in February, a 15% decline from the previous month and a 7% decline year over year. According to the report, the decrease was driven largely by a substantial decrease in orders from the aerospace and turbine industries. That, combined with only modest order gains in the automotive industry, was enough to offset gains elsewhere.
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While the monthly decline was substantial, USMTO officials did stress that January 2019 was a record month for orders. At a little over $735 million, the year-to-date order total is down less than 1% from 2018.