(AMT: McLean, VA) -- As trade policy continues to evolve, the U.S. manufacturing technology sector is feeling the sustained sting of tariffs—not just in higher costs, but in strategic drift.

According to AMT—The Association For Manufacturing Technology, its latest Tariff Impacts on Manufacturing Technology: 2025 Q3 Spot Survey of 80 industry executives finds that tariffs are reshaping everything from pricing and sourcing to investment timelines.

In the past, tariffs were typically targeted at a specific trade action or vulnerable industry. In 2025, they have expanded into a layered system of tariffs that reaches most segments of the manufacturing technology supply chain. Current measures include:

Reciprocal tariffs: 10% base rate on most imports, with higher reciprocal rates applied to countries where the U.S. runs trade deficits—broadening the reach of tariff measures beyond traditional enforcement aims.

Section 301 tariffs: Ongoing duties on imports from China.

Section 232 national security tariffs: Steel and aluminum duties expanded in 2025 to 50%, now including machining centers, precision parts, and other steel derivatives.

Pending 232 investigation: Review of robotics and industrial machinery imports, with potential new restrictions before year’s end.

Each layer adds complexity to pricing, sourcing, and production planning—and the effect is clear:
• 91% report increased landed costs due to tariffs. 
• 85% say they’ve raised customer prices to offset those costs. 
• 85% report margin compression on imported goods. 

“We’ve raised prices four times in two years—customers are fed up, and so are we,” says one respondent.

Although many firms have passed on higher costs, few have restructured supply chains or reshored production. Among respondents:
• 75% are absorbing some costs.
• 44% are reducing head count or hiring plans.
• Only 9% have shifted suppliers.

“Tariffs hit our margins hard. What’s worse is not knowing what’s coming next,” says another executive. “It’s impossible to forecast lead times with these tariff swings. Planning is guesswork.”

The report identifies growing tariff fatigue—the sense that companies are forced to react to changing trade policy rather than plan for it.

“We want to move more production here—but there’s no road map or incentive structure to make it viable,” says one manufacturer.

Still, some see potential long-term gains if trade policies stabilize.

“We strongly advocate for U.S.-based manufacturing across all segments,” says one respondent. “If tariffs are maintained for a longer duration, they can help drive reshoring and innovation—an incredibly important end goal.”

Manufacturers are calling for greater transparency, predictability, and coordination between trade policy and industrial strategy.

Read and download the full report on AMT Online.