Shipments of cutting tools, measured by the Cutting Tool Market Report, a collaboration between AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology and the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI), totaled $206.1 million in November 2025. Orders decreased 17.6% from October 2025 but were up 9.9% from November 2024. Year-to-date shipments totaled $2.34 billion, up 1.3% from the same period in 2024.

“Cutting tool manufacturers and importers are doing their best to control prices, but it has become more apparent that the overall prices for carbide and HSS-based products are on the rise,” said Jack Burley, chairman of AMT’s Cutting Tool Product Group and president of Big Daishowa, a cutting tool manufacturer. “The latest trend shows that more products are sold in terms of total dollars, but the number of units delivered remains normal. Agriculture and automotive production remain flat, whereas aerospace and defense continue to produce at very high levels. As we approach 2026, I am optimistic that costs and production will settle in for unit growth after a turbulent year of uncertainty.”

Steve Stokey, executive vice president and owner of Allied Machine and Engineering, a cutting tool manufacturer, said: “The market typically shows a significant drop-off in November, and this year was no exception. That seasonal dip also impacted the three-month moving average in typical fashion. The good news is the 12-month moving average continues its gradual upward trend. 2025 was anything but normal – but what’s new in business? We persevere, we figure it out, and we keep serving our customers. The trends suggest the table is set for a stronger 2026. It should be exciting to start selling in a rising-tide environment again!”

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