Tariffs Drive Costs and Complexity Across U.S. Manufacturing Technology Sector, AMT Q3 Survey Finds
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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 United States 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-end.
Each layer adds complexity to pricing, sourcing, and production planning – and the impact 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.
Manufacturers are calling for greater transparency, predictability, and coordination between trade policy and industrial strategy.
Source: The Association for Manufacturing Technology
