U.S. metalworking machinery orders reached a record $814.3 million in December 2025, pushing the full‑year total to $5.74 billion, up 22.5% from 2024. After bottoming out in mid‑2024, demand recovered with support from IMTS, lower interest-rate pressure, and favorable tax policies. While order value rose steadily, unit counts were more volatile, reflecting industry uncertainty and long‑term investment behavior. Aerospace and commercial/service machinery drove growth, while machine shops lagged slightly. Strong investment trends and rising industrial activity are expected to continue into 2026, supported by AI‑related demand, metal industry expansion, and improved economic alignment.