May U.S. cutting tool consumption totaled $172.8 million, according to the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI) and AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. This total, as reported by companies participating in the Cutting Tool Market Report (CTMR) collaboration, was down 6% from April’s total and 7% from May 2014.

“The decline in May cutting tool shipments data is not surprising given the changing market, seasonal shutdowns and economic environment faced by our industry,” said Brad Lawton, chairman of AMT’s Cutting Tool Product Group. “The monthly swings in shipments are consistent with expectations for a flat year relative to 2014.”

The Cutting Tool Market Report is jointly compiled by AMT and USCTI, two trade associations representing the development, production and distribution of cutting tool technology and products. It provides a monthly statement on U.S. manufacturers’ consumption of the primary consumable in the manufacturing process – the cutting tool.