TMA E-News Bulletin for March 11, 2026

INFORMATION

A Rough Jobs Report

The U.S. economy posted an unexpected 92,000 job loss in February rather than the anticipated 50,000 jobs added. Furthermore, January’s job growth total was revised downward by 17,000. The sectors leading the job losses were healthcare, manufacturing, and information services, which saw losses of 28,000, 12,000, and 11,000, respectively. Meanwhile, the headline unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.4% while the overall unemployment rate declined by 0.2% to 7.9%. The good news is that hourly wages rose more than expected, increasing by 0.4% to an overall 3.8% rise from a year ago.

CEOs Remain Broadly Optimistic About The Months Ahead

Survey of 237 U.S. CEOs the first week of March finds optimism moderating (again) as domestic and geopolitical tensions weigh on sentiment. More HERE.

Manufacturing Activity Expands for 2nd Consecutive Month

U.S. manufacturing activity expanded for a second consecutive month in February, with the Institute for Supply Management’s manufacturing PMI measuring 52.4, down slightly from 52.6 in January. New orders and production both grew, while supplier deliveries slowed down and employment contracted. More HERE.

Productivity Growth Exceeds Expectations

U.S. labor productivity increased 2.8% in the fourth quarter, attributable in part to efficiency and cost containment measures taken by businesses, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The increase surpasses economists’ expectations and follows a 5.2% gain in the previous quarter. More HERE.

Manufacturers Struggle to See ROI from AI

Despite significant investments in artificial intelligence, most manufacturers are not seeing meaningful returns, according to a Boston Consulting Group report. The report highlights that while over 70% invest in advanced planning systems, 78% of leaders cite inaccurate demand forecasting as a major challenge. Strategic recommendations include moving toward exception-based workflows to cut down on firefighting and investing in upskilling. More HERE.

TRUMP: Defense Manufacturers Will ‘Quadruple Production’

President Donald Trump says U.S. defense manufacturing companies have agreed to “quadruple production” amid the ongoing conflict with Iran. The president has placed pressure on manufacturing companies to produce more weapons faster, a message Secretary of War Pete Hegseth championed during his Arsenal of Freedom Tour, which concluded on the eve of the U.S. attack on Iran. More HERE.

Illinois Job Market Stalls, More Than 300,000 Left Looking for Work

With Illinois’ workforce shrinking by nearly 109,000 over a yearlong period ending in December 2025 and the state’s labor force participation rate recently falling to 63.6, Illinois Policy Institute’s Josh Bandoch worries the situation shows few signs of getting better anytime soon. More HERE.

ADVOCACY

March 17 Primary Election is Next Week – It’s Time to Vote!

With less than a week to go before next Tuesday’s primary election, it’s time for you to make plans to vote. You can still vote early or on election day. If you requested a vote-by-mail ballot, be sure to mail it before March 17 or you can surrender it at your polling location and vote in person on election day. Visit TMA’s voting information page to see recommended candidates as well as voting info for your county.

Still Undecided on Governor’s Race? TMANews.com Can Help

TMA News Editor Fran Eaton interviewed all four Republican governor candidates in February and compared their positions on issues important to small and midsize manufacturers. You can read Fran’s article HEREand also view recordings of the interviews to help you determine your preferred candidate.

Springfield Proposals Pushing Income Tax Plan Voters Already Rejected

Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 4 and House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 16 would eliminate the constitutional requirement that income be taxed at one flat rate. That means lawmakers could impose as many tax brackets – and rates – as they want. TMA successfully defeated similar legislation in 202. More HERE.

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Powered by UPG Enterprises, Metalex is the largest safety grating, expanded metal, and perforated metal manufacturer in North America.

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Accurate Products does custom tooling and injection molding for standard and custom rubber and plastic parts,

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