In the late fall of 2025, AFS’s final quarterly survey of the year (with a 14% response rate) found metalcasters cautiously optimistic in their outlook for 2026. Most expect sales for the year to increase, as seen on the opposite page.
The business concern shared by the majority of foundries (depicted on page 25) was demand for castings, followed by inflation related to chemicals, energy, and materials; labor was still viewed as a significant issue. Tax policy and interest rates were the least of their cited challenges. 

Elsewhere, the survey showed that shipping costs are considered a major issue among 17.6% of respondents. 

Not illustrated in these tables, perceptions among foundries of the Trump administration’s tariffs policy was varied: 56.9% viewed it as mixed, 17.6% consider the impact generally positive, and 25.5% see it as generally negative. Nearly 59% said they have not observed an increase in reshoring orders, but 41% said there has been an increase.

Smart manufacturing is on foundries’ radar, with 35% indicating they are already investing or plan to begin investing this year. Ninety-six percent of respondents said they are currently evaluating these technologies. In general, most AFS member foundries are planning capital investments in 2026. About a quarter expect to invest $251,000–$500,000, and about another quarter plan to invest in the $501,000–$1 million range.