2024 Third Quarter Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey
Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey: Third Quarter 2024
The National Association of Manufacturers Q3 2024 Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey highlights uncertainty across several challenges and shows a drop in manufacturing sentiment in the third quarter.
The NAM conducted the Q3 2024 Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey Sept. 5–20.
Key Findings:
- In Q3, 62.9% of respondents felt either somewhat or very positive about their company’s outlook, falling from 71.9% in the second quarter. The average over the past four quarters is 67.4%.
- A weaker domestic economy was cited as manufacturers’ top concern in Q3 2024, with 68.4% claiming it is their primary challenge. This was followed by rising health care costs (62.9%) and an unfavorable business climate (60.5%). Attracting and retaining a quality workforce now ranks as the fourth-highest concern, after remaining at the top of this list since Q4 2017.
- Manufacturers want Congress to prevent tax increases. Nearly 9 out of 10 respondents agree that Congress should act before the end of 2025 to prevent scheduled tax increases on manufacturers. The 20% pass-through deduction, individual tax rates and the estate tax exemption threshold are scheduled to expire or become less competitive at the end of 2025.
- Tax increases will harm growth in manufacturing in the United States, with 92.3% of manufacturers contending that the corporate rate should remain at or below 21%. If the corporate rate is increased from 21% to 28%, more than 71% of respondents said this increased tax burden will impact their business negatively.
- Lawmakers need to act to address health care costs for manufacturing workers. More than 72% of respondents support congressional action to reduce health care costs by reforming pharmacy benefit managers, while less than 6% oppose and 21.7% are uncertain.