Heat Treat Today has gathered the four heat treat industry-specific economic indicators for August 2026. The results suggest continued growth across the heat treat industry, with suppliers anticipating healthy business conditions as the industry moves toward the latter part of the summer.
August’s data reinforces expectations of continued expansion, with all four indicators remaining well above the growth threshold. Inquiries are projected at 63.5 (from 64.3 in July), indicating continued client activity despite a slight moderation. Bookings are expected to strengthen to 64.5 (up from 60.6 in July), while the Backlog index is forecast to increase to 61.5 (up slightly from 60.0 in July). Meanwhile, the Health of the Manufacturing Economy index is projected at 64.5 (up from 60.7 in July), reflecting growing confidence in broader manufacturing conditions.
August’s indicators suggest suppliers continue to anticipate favorable business conditions in the month ahead. The improvement in bookings and backlog points to sustained demand and a healthy pipeline of work, while inquiries remain at a level consistent with continued expansion. A stronger outlook for the broader manufacturing economy further reinforces expectations that heat treaters will continue to benefit from stable market conditions as the second half of the year progresses.
The results from this month’s survey (August) are as follows: numbers above 50 indicate growth, numbers below 50 indicate contraction, and the number 50 indicates no change:
- Anticipated change in Number of Inquiries from July to August: 63.5
- Anticipated change in Value of Bookings from July to August: 64.5
- Anticipated change in Size of Backlog from July to August: 61.5
- Anticipated change in Health of the Manufacturing Economy from July to August: 64.5
Data for August 2026
The four index numbers are reported monthly by Heat Treat Today and made available on the website.
Heat Treat Today’s Economic Indicators measure and report on four heat treat industry indices. Each month, approximately 800 individuals who classify themselves as suppliers to the North American heat treat industry receive the survey. Above are the results. Data collection began in June 2023. If you would like to participate in the monthly survey, please click here to subscribe.
