News & Insights

Manufacturers, and the data centers they support and use, rely on stable, affordable energy sources. Federal policy must help strengthen the U.S. electric grid and supply chains and address cybersecurity risks and workforce needs, the NAM told the Commerce Department Monday.  

What’s going on: “Manufacturers use one-third of America’s energy, and as such, the growth of our nation’s energy supply is critical to manufacturers’ ability to create jobs, expand operations and grow the economy,” NAM Vice President of Domestic Policy Chris Phalen told Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration in response to a request for comment on the challenges facing data center growth.  

• “In addition to growth in energy generation, manufacturers depend on a stable electric grid to ensure the continuous operation of their facilities.”

The challenge: Grid stability is at approaching an inflection point due to expected explosive growth.

• Phalen cited the 15% potential rise in power demand by the end of the decade (Wood Mackenzie) and an August 2024 Energy Department study that found “electricity generation would need to double to keep up with demand” on the grid.

Call to action: There are several steps that need to be taken to confront the challenges posed by the nationwide growth of data centers, Phalen told the agency. They include the following:

• Reforming the U.S. permitting system: “[T]he NAM strongly encourages the NTIA and all federal agencies with equities in meeting growing energy demand to align with our permitting principles,” which include “[e]xpediting judicial review, [a]ccelerating the permit process for needed energy infrastructure, including more transmission lines, pipelines and permanent carbon sequestration sites … [and] [u]nlocking access to domestic critical minerals.”
• Ensuring energy affordability: In particular, the NTIA should look at the role of natural gas “as a source of baseload power to the data center industry” and as a backup to renewable energy sources.
• Expediting licensing: The federal government should speed up the licensing process for next-generation technologies, such as small modular and advanced nuclear reactors.
• Addressing component shortages: Because “[r]obust growth in data center construction is heightening demand for related essential inputs, stretching existing supply chains … we encourage the NTIA to explore and support federal policies to increase domestic capacity of critical equipment to meet the needs of a modern grid.”
• Mitigating cybersecurity risks: NTIA should urge the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to revise its April draft rule requiring stringent reporting standards for certain security incidents. It should ensure that the final version “fosters collaboration, rather than confusion, between cloud providers and customers and enables each to respond to cyber incidents effectively.”
• Bolstering workforce development efforts: Congress should reauthorize the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, expand Pell grant eligibility to short-term training programs, give more support to industry sector partnerships and more “to reduce the skills gap” that exists in the data center and manufacturing industries.

As part of the NAM’s “Manufacturing Wins” tax campaign, small and medium-sized manufacturers are urging Congress to reinstate the pro-growth interest deductibility standard implemented by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act—which was crucial to making debt financing for capital equipment purchases more affordable for manufacturers.

What’s happening: Tax reform allowed companies to deduct the interest they pay on business loans, up to a cap of 30% of their earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA).

• But as of 2022, companies can only deduct interest up to 30% of their earnings before interest and tax (EBIT). This stricter limit raises borrowing costs for manufacturers, making it harder for them to finance job-creating investments in equipment and machinery.

Why it matters: Ankeny, Iowa–headquartered manufacturer Accumold was able to hire the talent it needed because of tax reform’s incentives for capital investment, including the EBITDA-based business interest limitation. “Thanks to tax reform, Accumold was able to increase our capital investment and add to our teams,” said President and CEO Roger Hargens.

• “By excluding depreciation and amortization expenses from the interest deduction calculation, the EBIT standard makes debt financing more expensive—punishing manufacturers with significant investments in depreciable assets like equipment and machinery, as well as valuable intellectual property subject to amortization,” explained Sukup Manufacturing President and CEO Steve Sukup, whose company is based in Sheffield, Iowa.

Supply chain implications: The change has had far-reaching effects on supply chains across the country, hitting small manufacturers—such as Pennsylvania-based Erie Molded Packaging—hard.

• “The majority of my customers buy and sell large pieces of capital equipment that require debt financing,” President Tom Tredway said. “Their inability to deduct interest makes borrowing more expensive, impacting small manufacturers’ economic health and ability to grow. Policy changes cause ripple effects across every level of the supply chain, and small manufacturers often take the biggest hit.”
• Added Sukup: “This change has been damaging to Sukup’s supply chain, as our partners at all levels often use debt financing for investments, including purchasing our products.”
• BTE Technologies President Chuck Wetherington and NAM Executive Committee Member in Hanover, Maryland, agreed. “Many of our suppliers utilize debt financing to expand their operations and invest in growth, yet their ability to do so is limited by the more-restrictive interest deductibility standard,” he said. “Ultimately, this switch to an EBIT standard weakens the manufacturing supply chain.”

Innovation at stake: Simmons Knife & Saw in Glendale Heights, Illinois, has seen a dramatic increase in its tax bill since pro-growth tax policies began to expire in 2022, including the EBITDA-based interest limitation.

• “We sell to over 100 countries and face competition around the globe,” said President and Owner Colin Murphy. “To remain competitive, we need to continually innovate and consistently invest in new machinery and equipment.”
• He added that the company’s higher tax bill “has led to less investment in equipment, fewer jobs and less innovation.”

The bottom line: “Increasing the cost of debt financing makes it more costly for manufacturers to invest in growth and expansion,” said Sukup. “Policymakers should not impose limitations that inhibit manufacturers’ ability to finance investments.”

• Added Hargens: “I urge Congress to prioritize the future of our working families and our economy by preventing tax increases.”

Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Manufacturers and 606 business leaders from across the manufacturing economy signed and released a letter to be sent to the next president, following the election. The letter demonstrates a firm commitment to working with the next administration regardless of whom the American people send to the White House.

The letter states the following:

Dear President-Elect:

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we, the leaders of America’s manufacturing industry and the industries that support it, extend our congratulations on your election. This historic milestone reminds us of the moments when our country came together to define its future—built on the foundation of free enterprise, competitiveness, individual liberty and equal opportunity.

We believe in an exceptional America, and that our future is strongest when we are united. As business leaders, we have a unique responsibility to help bridge divides and advance our shared purpose. In this era of challenges and change, we are committed to working together to strengthen trust and collaboration—within our sectors and across the nation.

This moment is critical for the millions of workers and communities who rely on our success. A strong manufacturing economy is essential to our national security, economic resilience and continued prosperity. We must restore confidence in the future and in the economic systems that have long driven opportunity and innovation, so that American families and businesses can thrive in a united and forward-looking nation.

We understand the power of collaboration and are ready to work productively with your administration to tackle the pressing challenges we face. While there may be moments of disagreement, we are committed to addressing those differences with mutual respect and in the spirit of constructive dialogue.

The days following a hard-fought election have always been a time for healing, finding common ground and renewing our focus on what unites us as a people. The peaceful transition of power is a hallmark of our democracy and is essential to ensuring continued confidence in the rule of law—a commitment that has made America exceptional.

As leaders of industries that drive America’s promise, you can count on us as steadfast partners in this work and in building our future together.

To view the full list of signatories, click here.

-NAM-

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.91 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org

Home price growth is beginning to show signs of strain, recording the slowest annual gain since mortgage rates peaked in 2023. In August, the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price NSA Index recorded a 4.2% annual gain, down from 4.8% in July.

The 10-City Composite saw an annual increase of 6.0% in August, a decrease from 6.8% the previous month, while the 20-City Composite rose 5.2% year-over-year, down from 5.9% in July. Among the 20 cities, New York again posted the highest annual gain at 8.1%, followed by Las Vegas at 7.3% and Chicago at 7.2%. Denver had the lowest annual increase at 0.7%.

On a month-over-month basis, the U.S. National Index decreased 0.1% before seasonal adjustment but increased 0.3% after adjustment. The 20-City and 10-City Composites saw declines of 0.3% and 0.4%, respectively, pre-adjustment, while both posted gains of 0.4% and 0.3%, respectively, post-adjustment.

Despite the slowdown, home prices reached an all-time high for the 15th consecutive month after accounting for seasonality of home purchases. Regionally, all markets continue to remain positive, but only barely.

Compensation costs for civilian workers increased 0.8% in the three months ending in September. In the past year, compensation costs rose 3.9%, with wages up by the same amount and benefits up 3.7%. Manufacturing compensation costs rose 0.8% in the three months ending in September and are up 3.8% in the past 12 months, with manufacturing wages up 4.0% and benefits up 3.3%.

Private industry compensation costs increased 3.6% over the year, with wages up 3.8% and benefits up 3.3%. Inflation-adjusted compensation costs rose 1.2%. Within private industry, union workers saw a 5.8% increase in compensation costs, while nonunion workers had a 3.4% increase. State and local government workers experienced a 4.7% rise in compensation costs, with wages up 4.6% and benefits up 4.8%.

Consumer confidence rebounded in October to 108.7 from 99.2 in September. October’s gain was the largest since March 2021, with all five components of the index improving.

The Present Situation Index, reflecting current business and labor market conditions, increased 14.2 points to 138.0. The Expectations Index, which reflects consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business and labor market conditions, rose 6.3 points to 89.1, well above the recession signal threshold of 80. Consumers’ assessments of current business conditions turned positive, with 21.4% of consumers saying business conditions were “good.” Views of the current labor market situation also improved from September, with a higher share of consumers saying jobs were “plentiful.” Consumers also felt more optimistic about future labor market conditions for the first time since July 2023, with more consumers anticipating more jobs to be available than less. In addition, consumers felt more positive about future business conditions and future income prospects. Meanwhile, consumers’ views of their current financial situation were essentially unchanged from the prior month.

Despite slower overall price increases, inflation expectations ticked up to 5.3% in October, and expectations for higher interest rates rose. Consumers welcomed the recent reduction in interest rates but felt the rate level was still too high. Buying plans for homes and new cars continued to rise, while purchase plans for big-ticket appliances were mixed. While response were largely positive about economic conditions, concerns about a recession dropped to a new low in October.

In October, Texas factory activity rose notably, with the production index increasing dramatically from -3.2 to 14.6, while other indicators of manufacturing were mixed. The new orders index remained negative at -3.7, indicating demand was still slightly in decline. On the other hand, both the capacity utilization index and shipments index exhibited substantial gains and moved into positive territory, registering at 4.3 and 1.5, respectively.

Overall business conditions remained negative, although pessimism abated some. The general business activity index moved up six points but remained negative at -3.0, and the company outlook index improved slightly to -3.3. The outlook uncertainty index, which has been volatile lately, ticked down less than one point to 16.4 after surging nearly 10 points in the previous month.

Labor market indicators pointed to some employment declines and shorter workweeks in October. The employment index fell eight points to -5.1, while the hours worked index inched down three points to -5.5. About 14% of firms reported net hiring, while more than 19% noted layoffs. Moderate upward pressure on prices and wages persisted. The wages and benefits index rose five points to 23.5, roughly aligned with historical averages. The raw materials prices index ticked down to 16.3, while the finished goods prices index remained relatively unchanged at 7.4.

The outlook for future manufacturing activity remained optimistic. The future production index rose to 42.4, the highest reading in nearly three years, while the future general business activity index shot up 18 points to 29.6, also a three-year high.

Real GDP grew at an annual rate of 2.8% in the third quarter of 2024, down slightly from 3.0% in the second quarter and below consensus expectations of 3.1% growth. Growth during the quarter was driven by increases in consumer spending, exports and government spending.

Consumer spending grew at an annual rate of 3.7%, with both spending on goods (up 6.0%) and services (up 2.6%) contributing to the gain. Consumer spending on nondurable goods, led by prescription drug spending, rose a strong 4.9%, while spending on durable goods, led by motor vehicles and parts spending, showed more significant growth at 8.1%. Within services, spending on health care and food services and accommodations were the largest contributors to the increase. The increase in exports (up 8.9%) primarily reflected an increase in capital goods exports, excluding automotive, while the increase in federal government spending (up 9.7%) was led by defense spending (up 14.9%).

The drags on growth came from residential fixed investment, which decreased 5.1% in the third quarter, and a downturn in private inventory investment. Nonresidential fixed investment exhibited healthy growth of 3.3%, with a key driver being business spending on equipment, which rose 11.1%. A large portion of this gain was from investment in transportation equipment, which also contributed positively to GDP in the previous quarter.

In October, U.S. manufacturing remained in contraction but at the slowest pace in three months. The S&P Global U.S. Manufacturing PMI rose to 48.5 in October from 47.3 in September, remaining below the 50 threshold that indicates a contraction in the sector. This suggests manufacturing conditions continued to deteriorate but to a lesser extent than the previous month.

Output and new orders fell at slower rates in October, with political uncertainty cited as the key reason for the drop in new orders. Despite new orders continuing to fall, manufacturers scaled back production to the smallest degree in three months. However, manufacturers continued to reduce employment and purchasing activity.

New export orders also declined slightly but to a much lesser degree than total new business, as demand weakness was notable in Europe. Weaker sales led manufacturers to reduce output for the third consecutive month. While respondents’ optimism about future business conditions strengthened, the current demand slump has resulted in firms continuing to lower their employment levels and purchasing activity as we enter the final quarter of the year.

The pace of inflation eased slightly, with input costs increasing at the slowest pace in almost a year and output price inflation also easing. Where input prices increased, respondents reported higher costs for freight and raw materials, such as cardboard, metals and packaging.

In October, the U.S. manufacturing sector contracted for the seventh consecutive month, with the Manufacturing PMI falling to its lowest reading in 2024 at 46.5%, indicating activity was contracting at a faster pace. New orders (47.1%), production (46.2%), inventories (42.6%) and backlog of orders (42.3%) remained in contraction, with production, inventories and backlog of orders at faster rates of decline. Supplier deliveries are still slowing, and demand continued to be weak, with companies hesitant to invest due to uncertainty about the direction of federal monetary policy as it relates to the election.

The New Orders Index continued its contraction for the seventh consecutive month but is up 1.0 percentage point from September. This decline reflects ongoing uncertainty and concern about a lack of new order activity, with only two major sectors−computer and electronic products and food, beverage and tobacco products−reporting an increase in new orders. While their confidence in the future economic environment remains low, it ticked up slightly in October.

The Production Index remained in contraction in October and is down 3.6 percentage points from September. Of the six largest manufacturing sectors, three (computer and electronic products; food, beverage and tobacco products; and fabricated metal products) reported increased production.

The Employment Index inched up 0.5 percentage points from September, still among the lowest readings since July 2020. Companies continued to reduce headcounts through layoffs, attrition and hiring freezes, with only the food, beverage and tobacco products and machinery sectors expanding employment in October.

The Prices Index rose 6.5 percentage points to 54.8%, indicating raw materials prices increased in October after decreasing the month before. Energy and transportation costs were the primary drivers, with crude oil and natural gas increasing somewhat, offset by weakness in the steel markets. Approximately 20% of companies reported paying higher prices, compared to 13% in September.