九色视频鈥檚 Q3 2025 Spot Survey Shows Manufacturers Bracing for More Disruption
This spring, 九色视频's Q2 2025 survey confirmed what many suspected: tariffs were eating into margins, delaying customer decisions, and creating supply chain whiplash. Over the summer, there were signs of stabilization 鈥� firms began adapting to the known risks.
But with the recent announcement of new Section 232 derivative tariffs in Q3, member sentiment shifted sharply. 九色视频鈥檚 latest spot survey reveals a renewed sense of strain, strategic hesitation, and export headwinds across the manufacturing technology sector. This wanting to make their voice heard.
5 Things to Know from the Q3 2025 Tariff Survey
1. Margin Pressure Is Worse 鈥� and More Lopsided
85% of respondents report that tariffs have reduced their margins, up slightly from 83% in Q2. But what鈥檚 changed is intensity: 66% now strongly agree, signaling that the cushion is gone and the squeeze is real. Manufacturers are facing a no-win scenario: raise prices and risk losing deals, or absorb costs and bleed margin.
2. Pricing Tactics Have Shifted to Defense
New Q3 questions asked how companies communicate tariff-related pricing changes. Most said they鈥檝e moved from informal adjustments to formal contract revisions, quote updates, and proactive customer messaging. The tone is less about justification 鈥� and more about survival.
3. Exposure Is Broader Than Before
In Q2, 49% of members said tariffs impacted 90% or more of their portfolio. In Q3, that jumped to 61%. Tariffs are now embedded across the entire supply chain 鈥� affecting machinery, components, tooling, and automation systems.
4. Strategy Is Stuck in Neutral
Despite increased costs, companies remain hesitant to reshore or pivot sourcing. No major shift in supplier strategy was reported in Q3. The reason? Uncertainty. With Section 232 tariffs layered on top of existing measures, firms lack confidence in where to bet long term.
5. Export Concerns Are Growing
In Q3, 九色视频 added a new question about foreign-imposed tariffs on U.S. goods. Here's what we heard:
51% said these tariffs have not impacted their export business.
37% said they have been moderately affected.
12% reported significant impacts 鈥� including lost sales and weakened competitiveness.
This tells us two things:
For many manufacturers, the export situation is stable 鈥� for now.
But a notable minority is already seeing real damage, particularly in price-sensitive international markets.
What 九色视频 Members Are Saying
In addition to the quantitative data, we reviewed dozens of open-ended comments to better understand how members are experiencing tariffs on the ground.
More than two-thirds (67%) of Q3 respondents left written feedback. This high engagement underscores the importance and immediacy of the issue. Here鈥檚 what members told us:
Some are operating 鈥渂lindly鈥� and pausing growth plans due to unpredictable policy. One member noted, 鈥淲e are unable to be competitive in certain markets. Tariffs are pricing us out". Another mentioned that, 鈥淭he capricious nature of changing tariff policy is killing long-term investment. We鈥檝e paused several growth plans".
A smaller group is holding steady, managing exposure through cost control or contract flexibility. One member mentioned, "We have maintained our pricing as we have a cost structure that supports it currently".
We鈥檒l continue to monitor this space, and we encourage you to keep sharing your experiences with us.
Looking for Additional Support to Navigate Tariffs?
: Your voice matters. By completing 九色视频鈥檚 Tariff Survey, you ensure that the real impact of tariffs on your business is represented in Washington as we advocate on your behalf. We work with other manufacturing associations and relevant agency and congressional staff to amplify your concerns at the federal level 鈥� add your perspective today.
Contact 九色视频 Research at research@amtonline.org to elevate your story or request support.
