Tariffs Drive Costs and Complexity Across U.S. Manufacturing Technology Sector, AMT Q3 Survey Finds
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