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Articles by Mike Lauer
International News From the Field: What China’s Q1 2026 Data Tells Us
China's Industrial Data Points to Export Strength and Energy Momentum China's automotive and machine tool sectors produced a mixed but broadly active picture in the first quarter of 2026, with export performance standing out as the clearest bright spot amid softening domestic demand.
International News From the Field: India Is Having a Moment
India’s manufacturing sector entered the first quarter of fiscal year 2026-27 with a stabilizing PMI and a surge in foreign investment facilitation. The industrial economy saw a string of project commitments. These ranged from semiconductors and AI infrastructure to automotive components, specialty chemicals, and renewable energy. The manufacturing PMI rose to 54.7 in April, up from 53.9 in March. This marks the 46th consecutive month of expansion.
International News From the Field: CCMT 2026 Breaks Records in Shanghai
The China CNC Machine Tool Fair (CCMT) 2026 was held in Shanghai on April 21-25 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. According to the China Machine Tool Builders' Association (CMTBA), the successful show occupied all of the venue’s 17 halls and one temporary hall, with total exhibition space reaching just over 200,000 square meters and net exhibition space exceeding 120,000 square meters. Participation was broad and international.
On the Road Again
Snacks: check. Ultimate playlist: got it. Pit Vipers: on. It’s finally time for the long-awaited Season 4 of “Road Trippin’ with Steve,” powered by SMW Autoblok (IMTS booth #431617). For those who haven’t been following us since Season 1 (gasp!), we’ve delved into the history of manufacturing in the Northeast, explored the advent of additive manufacturing in the South, and tooled around Detroit to discover the best of Motor City’s exciting “automative” future.
Precision With Purpose: Driving Digitalization in Manufacturing and Forensics
Whether it’s producing a precision-machined component or documenting a crime scene before evidence disappears, today’s work demands accuracy, speed, and digital confidence. Manufacturing and forensics may serve different missions, but both are being reshaped by the same force: advanced digital metrology.
International News From the Field: India's Momentum Continues Into Spring 2026
India's manufacturing sector entered the March-April 2026 period on solid ground. The country's manufacturing PMI registered 53.9 in March, comfortably in expansion territory, though slightly softer than February's 56.9. Cost pressures, supply disruptions in key raw materials (such as aluminum, chemicals, and fuel), and broader market uncertainty contributed to the modest dip.
International News From the Field: Navigating Southeast Asia's Trade Shows
The manufacturing landscape in Southeast Asia is poised for a transformative year in 2026. While the China Plus One diversification strategy continues to provide a steady tailwind, the region is rapidly evolving from a cost-competitive production base into a sophisticated hub for high-value industrial technology.
International News From the Field: China Posts Record Auto and Machine Tool Output
Data released by CAAM (China Association of Automobile Manufacturers) in early 2026 showed that China’s auto production and sales reached record highs in 2025, totaling 34.53 million units and 34.4 million units, respectively – year-over-year increases of 10.4% and 9.4%. Output has now remained above 30 million units for three consecutive years. EV production and sales also hit record highs in 2025, reaching 16.63 million units and 16.49 million units, respectively – up 29% and 28.2% YOY.
Harry Moser Addresses Congress on the Future of Manufacturing
A Blueprint To Accelerate Reshoring This year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In honor of the semiquincentennial, I would like to share my congressional testimony to the House Committee on Small Business, “Made in the USA: How Main Street is Revitalizing Domestic Manufacturing,” presented on Nov. 20, 2025. I reported on the state of U.S. manufacturing and offered a blueprint to accelerate reshoring.
International News From the Field: Southeast Asia Competes for Global Capital in 2026
Economic Performance Across the Region Southeast Asia entered 2026 from a position of strength. Despite a turbulent global backdrop, the economies of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) delivered solid growth in 2025, and the numbers tell a compelling story. GDP Growth: The Asian Development Bank estimated regional growth at 4.3-4.5% for 2025, slightly below earlier projections but resilient given the headwinds.
International News From the Field: India’s New Age of Defense Spending
India’s manufacturing PMI surged to 59.2 in October, up from 57.7 in September, indicating one of the strongest expansions in recent years. The growth was primarily driven by robust domestic demand, relief measures for the country’s Goods and Services Tax, productivity gains, technology investments, and easing input costs. New orders continued to grow sharply, while job creation remained steady for the 20th consecutive month.
International News From the Field: China Accelerates Production
China’s manufacturing PMI has continued to rise, reaching 49.8 in September. According to the National Statistics Bureau of China, overall economic output has also accelerated slightly. According to data released by CAAM (the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers), automobile production and sales in August maintained year-over-year growth of more than 10%, indicating that China’s overall macroeconomic conditions continue to improve.
International News From the Field: Southeast Asia’s Automotive Push
The October regional report noted that business sentiment improved significantly following the Trump administration’s announcement of tariff agreements. Overall, GDP projections for 2025 support this, with growth expected across all major machine tool–importing countries in Southeast Asia. This is particularly meaningful, given that manufacturing represents more than 20% of GDP in their respective economies.
International News From the Field: India’s Industrial Expansion
The Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), comprising Iceland, Switzerland, Norway, and Liechtenstein, took effect on Oct. 1, 2025. Signed in April 2025, TEPA includes binding commitments of $100 billion in investments and the creation of over 1 million jobs over the next 15 years.
Reshoring Survey Reveals 4 Priorities for US Reindustrialization
The 2025 USA Reshoring Survey, conducted among 500 U.S. manufacturers in collaboration with the Reshoring Initiative and Regions Recruiting, aimed to derive three key insights. First, to determine the strategy or the “why” driving OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to reshore; second, to understand the points of view from the contract manufacturers’ (CMs) perspectives; and third, to grasp a comprehensive understanding of the actions needed to increase the rate of reshoring.
International News From the Field: China’s Robotics Takes Center Stage
China released its Artificial Intelligence+ Action Guidelines in late August. With the penetration rate of AI applications expected to exceed 70% by 2027 and 90% by 2030, the country intends to deeply integrate AI into six major sectors, boosting industrial upgrading and economic growth in the process. These guidelines are considered vital for the future of automation and high-tech equipment manufacturing. The 2025 World Robot Conference was held in Beijing from Aug. 8 to 12.
International News From the Field: Southeast Asia’s High-Tech Investment Shift
The overall sentiment in the Southeast Asian manufacturing sector is one of relief over the announced tariffs from the United States, but concern remains about weak international and domestic demand. From my own anecdotal surveys of manufacturers, purchasing agents for foreign buyers are back at the five-star hotel breakfast buffets and busy making appointments with suppliers to renegotiate deals that were on hold for months due to uncertain trade policies.
International News From the Field: China's Heavy-Duty Machinery Grows
The Tools Sub-council of the China Machine Tool Industry Association (CMTBA) has compiled and analyzed import data for tools (including cutting tools, measuring instruments, and gauges) from customs for the first half of 2025.
International News From the Field: Tariffs Reduced for Southeast Asia
The White House announced new tariff rates for Southeast Asian countries at the end of July, effective Aug. 7. The original tariff rates announced in April were as high as 46%, which would have severely impacted trade with the United States. New rates for most countries in the region were lowered to between 19% and 20%, including the three nations discussed here, Malaysia (24% to 19%), Thailand (36% to 19%), and Vietnam (46% to 20%).
International News From the Field: India’s Growth on Autopilot
In its July update, the IMF revised India's GDP growth projection for 2025 to 6.4%, up from the 6.2% it had forecast in April 2025. The outlook for 2026 remains robust, with growth expected to slightly rise to 6.4%, reflecting sustained momentum in economic activity. Meanwhile, India's manufacturing PMI rose to 59.1 in July from 58.4 in June, indicating a substantial expansion in manufacturing activity.
International News From the Field: EVs Charge China’s Auto Growth
On July 10, China's Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) released several economic indicators of China's automobile industry, which showed double-digit year-over-year growth in the first half of 2025. From January to June, the automobile market remained strong, with production and sales exceeding 15 million units, achieving a high growth rate of more than 10% YOY. CAAM noted that the Chinese market has significantly improved due to the continued impact of the automobile trade-in policy.
International News From the Field: 'Make in India' Makes Big Numbers
India’s manufacturing purchasing managers' index rose to 58.4 in June, up from May’s 57.6. This marks its highest level in 14 months and remains well above the long-term average of 54.1. It indicates a significant improvement in business conditions, primarily driven by a sharp increase in export orders. According to the World Bank's April forecast, the Indian economy is expected to grow by 6.3% in fiscal year 2025-26, a slight reduction from the 6.7% forecast made in January 2025.
International News From the Field: China
The China Machine Tool and Tool Builders' Association (CMTBA) has released the latest statistics on the total import and export volume of machine tool products, which reached $10.6 billion from January to April 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 5.4%. Imports accounted for $3.35 billion, reflecting a slight decrease of 0.2% compared to the previous year.
International News From the Field: Southeast Asia
This month, we will focus on Vietnam ahead of the upcoming MTA Vietnam 2025 metalworking exhibition, held annually in Ho Chi Minh City. This medium-sized exhibition is expected to attract 450 exhibitors from 20 countries and nearly 20,000 industry professionals. It’s still not too late to book a flight and get a firsthand look at one of the hottest spots in our industry. Vietnam’s GDP grew 7.1% in 2024, with projections indicating around 6.5% growth in 2025.
International News From the Field: China
The China Machine Tool and Tool Builders’ Association (CMTBA) released its latest business statistics based on data from China Customs on May 20. These figures offer insights into the operations of China's machine tool industry, particularly regarding imports and exports for the first quarter of this year. This quarter marked a shift from a slight year-over-year decline in 2024 to an overall increase.
International News From the Field: Southeast Asia
I recently spent a week in Malaysia exploring the country’s metal cutting industry. The country’s natural beauty and sights were captivating, but I was just as enthralled by its manufactured sites – and the opportunities they presented for AMT members. My week began in Penang, “The Silicon Valley of the East.” Since the 1970s, Penang has served as one of the first offshore locations for major American semiconductor companies like Intel, AMD, and Hewlett-Packard.
International News From the Field: Europe
Europe shows resilience amid global pressures and declining export demand from China and elsewhere. Will interest rate cuts and strong private consumption improve the 2025 forecast for modest growth? For more industry intel and other tidbits, read on. The European metalworking and mechanical engineering industries are entering 2025 facing a dual reality: a cautious recovery in domestic markets alongside ongoing pressure from global economic challenges.
International News From the Field: China
China's economy continues to show resilience and strength. The first quarter of 2025 experienced 5.4% GDP growth, driven by consumer subsidies and a surge in export shipments in anticipation of tariffs. For more industry intel and other tidbits, read on. China's manufacturing PMI for March was 50.5, showing a 0.59% decrease year over year but a 0.3% increase month over month.
International News From the Field: Southeast Asia
Tariff challenges bring down Southeast Asia's manufacturing PMI to neutral levels. But sentiment for 2025 remains positive, as the region is an important, strategic trading partner for the United States. For more industry intel and other tidbits, read on. In early April, President Donald Trump’s administration announced steep tariffs on Southeast Asian nations, ranging from 30% to 57%.
2025 Key International Manufacturing Technology Trade Shows
International How high can India’s manufacturing PMI go? With activity reaching an all-time high, India is one of the most promising markets today, with incredible opportunities in the automotive and aerospace sectors. For more industry intel and other tidbits, read on. 5 min Smartforce Check in for the highlights, headlines, and hijinks that matter to manufacturing. These lean news items keep you updated on the latest developments.
International News From the Field: Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia sees a surge in FDI, with U.S. companies among the leading investors. However, as trade disputes between major countries continue, the speed of investment execution may become a concern. For more industry intel and other tidbits, read on. The announcement of foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in Southeast Asia is on an upward trend in 2025. However, project announcements and funding always have a lag.
International News From the Field: India
India’s manufacturing activity experienced its fastest growth in eight months in March, reaching a PMI of 58.1 from February’s 56.3. Both new orders and output increased at their quickest rates since July 2024. According to the latest IMF data, India’s GDP has doubled over the past decade. The country’s GDP was $2.1 trillion in 2015 and is projected to reach $4.27 trillion by the end of 2025. This year's real GDP growth rate stands at 6.5%, reflecting a strong and stable economic expansion.
International News From the Field: China
Fluctuations from China's efforts to boost consumption and address trade challenges show its economy is strong. With some growth expected in 2025, China continues to attract investments and opportunities. For more industry intel and other tidbits, read on. China's Manufacturing PMI for December 2024 was 50.1, representing a year-over-year increase of 2.24%. This suggests that demand has been picking up over the previous three months, potentially alleviating deflationary pressures.
Highlights From AMT’s 2025 Winter Economic Forum
AMT’s 2025 Winter Economic Forum wrapped up on a positive note for the manufacturing industry despite challenges such as persistent inflation, a tight labor market, and changes coming from a new presidential administration. Oxford Economics maintained its 2025 machine tool order projections at 20.1% growth from 2024 and doubled its 2026 projections from 5.2% to 11%, indicating strong expansion over the next two years.
International News From the Field: Southeast Asia
One of the primary drivers of economic growth in Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam is the rise in domestic consumption. The countries all have burgeoning middle classes, increasing urbanization, and higher disposable incomes that contribute to robust consumer spending. Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam continue to attract substantial foreign direct investment (FDI) due to their strategic locations, competitive labor costs, and favorable investment climates.
International News From the Field: EV Batteries Drive Southeast Asia
Vietnam The MTA Vietnam metalworking exhibition in Ho Chi Minh City was a success. It filled two exhibition halls, making it very attractive for gaining market insight. About 30 AMT member companies participated in the show, represented by their distribution partners or with a direct booth. The exhibition left the overall impression that the market has lots of potential moving forward.
International
International India's new trade agreement with EFTA guarantees $100 billion in investments, while electronics and defense exports are set for significant expansion. For more industry intel and other tidbits, read on. 5m read International Humanoid robots expand in China, driving demand for ultra-precision tools like lathes and grinding machines. This is backed by AI+ guidelines and large investments, like a major robotics plant in Jiangsu. For more industry intel and other tidbits, read on.
Go green or go home: eMobility is Viet Nam’s future
VinFast exhibited five models of electric vehicles at CES 2022 in the US. Photo courtesy of VinFast Viet Nam's first automobile manufacturer VinFast recently announced it has established a headquarters in the United States and said it would soon open showrooms in California, as well enter this market with two electric crossover models to start a business in March 2022.
Addressing Foreign Interference and Associated Risks to the Integrity of Biomedical Research, and How You Can Help
On Tuesday, June 23, Dr. Kelvin Drogemeier, the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), gave a presentation to the Federal Demonstration Partnership (FDP) on “Enhancing the Security and Integrity of America’s Research Enterprise.” Dr. Drogemeier articulated five “key takeaway” messages: The integrity of our research enterprise rests upon core principles and values, including transparency, honesty, accountability, objectivity, respect, freedom of inquiry, reciprocity,...
Mid-career Investigators and Shifting Demographics of NIH Grant Recipients
While NIH policies focus on early stage investigators, we also recognize that it is in our interest to make sure that we continue to support outstanding scientists at all stages of their career. Many of us have heard mid-career investigators express concerns about difficulties staying funded.
Accepting Preliminary Data as Post-Submission Material and Other COVID-19-Related Application Flexibilities
As our nation looks to begin reopening, NIH continues to track how well our policies are meeting the evolving needs of the research community. In this post, we would like to highlight allowance of preliminary data as a new special exception to our post-submission materials policy and our guidance for reviewers. Many of you are well aware that COVID-19 mitigation measures have adversely affected the ability of many researchers to generate preliminary data.
Case Study in Review Integrity: Embellished Credentials in a Grant Application
A series to raise awareness, encourage dialog and inspire creative problem solving of the challenges in maintaining integrity in peer review Have you ever been tempted to embellish your credentials in a grant application? What about fabricating credentials? Would this be a case of research misconduct or a violation of review integrity? These can be costly errors, as shown by the case described below (inspired by a true story; we’ve changed details and fictionalized names).
COVID-19 Funding and Funding Opportunities
As you can imagine, NIH is devoting significant resources to COVID-19.
COVID-19 Resources for Applicants and Recipients of NIH Funding
The NIH is deeply concerned for the health and safety of people involved in NIH research, and about the effects on the biomedical enterprise in the areas affected by the HHS declared public health emergency for COVID-19. This is a rapidly evolving situation, and we are aware that many institutions are taking a variety of “social distancing” measures, including switching to telework and cancelling or postponing classes and non-essential meetings.
Case Study in Review Integrity: Asking for Favorable Treatment
A series to raise awareness, encourage dialogue and inspire creative problem solving of the challenges in maintaining integrity in peer review What happens when a former colleague contacts you, a reviewer, out of the blue to ask if the application on which he is a principal investigator could be treated favorably at the review meeting? Do you brush off the investigator and figure you will not let the contact influence your review of that application? Or do you instead immediately notify NIH?
Data are Available on NIH Funding Plans
The NIH-Wide Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years (FYs 2016-2020) laid the groundwork for discussing data on our funding strategies—see page 28 for example data on R01 applications across peer review percentiles in FY 2014. The 21st Century Cures Act recognized the value of reporting such information. Building on what we have blogged on before (see here, here, here, and here), let’s talk more about how we make funding decisions and show some data as well.
Expanding NIH’s Definition of Socio-Economic Disadvantaged to be More Inclusive and Diversify the Workforce
An extensive literature demonstrates that socioeconomic status is one of the strongest predictors of health, on par with typical risk markers like smoking, physical inactivity, hypertension, and diabetes.
New NIH Resource to Analyze Biomedical Research Citations: The Open Citation Collection
Citations from scientific articles are more than lines on a page. They can, when reading between those lines, shed some light on the development of scientific thought and on the progress of biomedical technology. We’ve previously posted some examples in blogs here, here, and here. But to better see the light, we all would benefit from more comprehensive data and easier access to them. My colleagues within the NIH Office of Portfolio Analysis sought to answer this call. Drs.
Delving Further into the Funding Gap Between White and Black Researchers
As is now well known, black scientists are less successful than their white counterparts in obtaining support from NIH R01 awards as designated Principal Investigators (PIs) (see here and here). Though recent NIH efforts are showing promise to enhance diversity in the biomedical workforce (see this post), much work is still needed to address the funding gap. In a paper recently published in Science Advances, we delved into the underlying factors associated with this funding gap.
Linking ORCID Identifiers to eRA Profiles to Streamline Application Processes and to Enhance Tracking of Career Outcomes
Enter once, reuse often. That’s the mantra of ORCID (Open Researcher and Contributor Identification), a non-profit organization that promotes the use of its unique digital identifier to connect researchers with their science contributions over time and across changes of name, location and institutional affiliation.
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