Since September 2024, the Federal Reserve has begun cutting interest rates, aiming to boost consumption and investment, which positively impacts machine tool demand. However, a weaker U.S. dollar may erode Taiwan’s export competitiveness. Trump’s return to power and proposed high tariffs and currency interventions could trigger a new U.S.-China trade war, creating global economic uncertainty and challenges for Taiwan’s machine tool exports. While short-term recovery opportunities exist, long-term growth depends on leveraging AI and ESG trends to explore new markets and achieve technological breakthroughs.

IMTS 2024 in Chicago featured 1,737 exhibitors and over 89,000 visitors, focusing on additive manufacturing, smart automation, and AI applications. Highlights included Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s hybrid manufacturing platform, Apptronik’s humanoid robot Apollo, and the world’s first 3D-printed car. Microsoft, Google, and Amazon showcased AI-driven and cloud-based collaborative solutions, while machine tool manufacturers emphasized five-axis machining, automation, and green energy-saving technologies. Several new machining centers and digital transformation solutions were introduced, reflecting the industry’s dual transformation toward advanced manufacturing and intelligent integration.