U.S. Cutting Tool Consumption off 8.2% through June

August 14, 2013 — June U.S. cutting tool consumption totaled $155 million, according to the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute and AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. This total, as reported by companies participating in the Cutting Tool Market Report (CTMR) collaboration, was down 6.6 percent from May and down 12.8 percent from the June 2012 level of $195 million. The reported year-to-date total through June 2013 was $1,014 million, down 8.2 percent from shipments levels for the same period in 2012.

These numbers and all data in this report are based on the totals actually reported by the companies participating in the CMTR program.The totals here represent about 80% of the U.S. market for cutting tools.

“We didn’t expect the first half softness of 2013 as recent activity was at some of the best levels since 1998.”said Dave Povich, USCTI’s President. “What is promising is that the first half of the year outpaced the second half of 2012 and we believe manufacturing is on a modest upswing for the remainder of 2013.”

The Cutting Tool Market Report (CTMR) is jointly compiled by AMT and USCTI, two trade associations representing the development, production and distribution of cutting tool technology and products. It provides a monthly statement on U.S. manufacturers’ consumption of the primary consumable in the manufacturing process – the cutting tool.Analysis of cutting tool consumption is leading indicator of both upturns and downturns in U.S. manufacturing activity, as it is a true measure of actual production levels.

While this is the first release of the Cutting Tool Market Report, historical data is available for the program dating back to January 2012.This collaboration of AMT and USCTI is the first step in the two associations working together to promote and support U.S.-based manufacturers of cutting tool technology.

AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology represents and promotes U.S.-based manufacturing technology and its members—those who design, build, sell, and service the continuously evolving technology that lies at the heart of manufacturing.  Founded in 1902 and based in Virginia, the association specializes in providing targeted business assistance, extensive global support, and business intelligence systems and analysis. AMT is the voice that communicates the importance of policies and programs that encourage research and innovation, and the development of educational initiatives to create tomorrow’s Smartforce.  AMT owns and manages IMTS — The International Manufacturing Technology Show, which is the premier manufacturing technology event in North America. The USMTO report is compiled by AMT and all data in the report is based on the totals of actual data reported by companies participating in the USMTO program.

The United States Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI) was formed in 1988 and resulted from a merger of the two national associations representing the cutting tool manufacturing industry.  USCTI works to represent, promote, and expand the U.S. cutting tool industry and to promote the benefits of buying American-made cutting tools manufactured by its members. The Institute recently expanded its by-laws to include any North American manufacturer and/or remanufacturer of cutting tools, as well as post-fabrication tool surface treatment providers. Members, which number over 80, belong to seven product divisions; Carbide Tooling, Drill & Reamer, Milling Cutter, PCD & PCBN, Tap & Die, Tool Holder and All Other Tooling. A wide range of activities includes a comprehensive statistics program, human resources surveys and forums, development of product specifications and standards, and semi-annual meetings to share ideas and receive information on key industry trends.