5 manufacturing trends to watch in 2026

Group 1: Manufacturing Investment and Economic Drivers - A combination of policy incentives and sustained demand for semiconductors and components related to the data center boom is expected to drive manufacturing investment growth in the upcoming year [1] - The Trump administration's AI Action Plan aims to facilitate the construction of data centers and semiconductor fabrication sites by removing regulatory barriers and expediting permits [8] - The National Defense Authorization Act has approved billions for defense-related manufacturing and emerging technologies, indicating strong government support for the sector [9] Group 2: Tariff Impact and Legal Uncertainty - Ongoing tariff uncertainty has led to decreased U.S. manufacturing activity, reaching its lowest point in December 2025, as reported by the Institute for Supply Management [5] - The U.S. Supreme Court is set to make a decision regarding the legality of tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which could significantly impact manufacturers [3][2] - Manufacturers have been forced to raise prices, modify operations, and implement layoffs due to the pressures of tariffs and trade uncertainty [4] Group 3: Workforce Development and Skills Gap - The manufacturing industry faces a significant talent skills gap, with projections indicating a need for up to 3.8 million new workers by 2033 [17] - The Department of Labor is investing millions into state workforce development programs focused on advanced manufacturing, with $98 million recently announced for education and training [15] - Companies like GE Aerospace Foundation and others are committing funds to training programs aimed at increasing the number of skilled workers in the U.S. [16] Group 4: Technological Advancements and AI Adoption - U.S. manufacturers are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to reduce costs and enhance production efficiency amid ongoing trade uncertainties [6][19] - The adoption of agentic AI is expected to generate up to $650 billion in additional revenue across industries by 2030, with automation potentially yielding up to 50% in cost savings [22] - A survey indicates that about 22% of manufacturers plan to utilize physical AI by 2027, highlighting a trend towards advanced robotics in manufacturing [23] Group 5: Mergers and Acquisitions Activity - Two-thirds of U.S. business leaders are planning to engage in more mergers and acquisitions in the coming year, driven by interest rate cuts and lower taxes [12] - Despite uncertainties from tariffs and government actions, dealmakers are adapting to the "new normal" and proceeding with M&A activities [13]