Heat Treat Today has gathered the four heat treat industry-specific economic indicators for July 2026. The results suggest continued growth across the heat treat industry, with suppliers anticipating healthy business conditions despite a modest cooling from June’s stronger outlook.

July’s data points to anticipated expansion in all four indicators, with each remaining above the growth threshold. Inquiries are projected at 64.3 (up from 54.0 in June), signaling renewed client activity. Bookings are expected to remain solid at 60.6 (up slightly from 60.0 in June). The Backlog index is forecast at 60.0 (from 61.0 in June). Meanwhile, the Health of the Manufacturing Economy index is projected at 60.7 (from 65.0 in June).

July’s indicators suggest suppliers continue to anticipate favorable business conditions heading into the heart of the summer production season. The sharp rebound in inquiries points to healthy client engagement, while bookings and backlog remain firmly in expansion territory, indicating sustained demand for heat treating services. Although manufacturers’ outlook for the broader economy moderated from June’s exceptionally strong reading, it continues to signal expected growth, reinforcing expectations that the industry will remain on stable footing in the month ahead.

The results from this month’s survey (July) 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 June to July: 64.3
• Anticipated change in Value of Bookings from June to July: 60.6
• Anticipated change in Size of Backlog from June to July: 60.0
• Anticipated change in Health of the Manufacturing Economy from June to July: 60.7