Industrial output boosted by industrial, military equipment: AMT
Total U.S. industrial production increased 0.2% in July 2026, a slight slowdown from the 0.3% growth in June.
While the production of both durable and nondurable consumer goods contracted in July, the decline was more than offset by the rise in industrial equipment, space, and defense production. Capacity utilization increased slightly in July but remained below the long-run average.
“The pullback in production of consumer goods could be the result of the increasingly bifurcated consumer economy,” said Christopher Chidzik, principal economist of AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. “Manufacturing technology orders came in at record levels over the first half of 2026. Some of these capital investments were surely motivated by increased demand for industrial, space, and defense equipment. While a deterioration of consumer strength could quell some manufacturing technology orders, elevated demand from producers of business and military equipment could keep the industrial economy afloat during any upcoming period of declining consumer activity.”
AMT says it will put the latest in manufacturing technology on display at IMTS 2026 – The International Manufacturing Technology Show on Sept. 14–19 in Chicago, Illinois. IMTS provides complimentary press credentials to the working media and certified industry or financial analysts. Media badges will grant access to the show floor and most conferences held in conjunction with IMTS during the six days of the show.
INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The July/August issue of Industrial Supply magazine features an in-depth cover story about Global Industrial. Plus, we're featuring articles by contributing writers Dr. Bharani Nagarathnam and Frank Hurtte, as well as interviews with numerous product and distribution industry experts.
