AI and Agility Top the List of Critical Trends that Will Define Manufacturing Competitiveness in 2026
Xometry (NASDAQ:XMTR), the AI-powered manufacturing marketplace, has released its first Manufacturing Outlook report highlighting critical trends for 2026. The report, based on research with executives across the U.S., U.K., and Europe, identifies four key trends:
Key findings include:
- 82% of executives consider AI a core growth driver, with half reporting significant ROI
- 74% of executives are pursuing reshoring initiatives
- 54% of executives cite increasing quality demands
- 76% of manufacturers plan price increases in 2026
The report emphasizes the importance of AI adoption, operational agility, meeting rising customer expectations, and implementing market-driven pricing strategies to maintain competitiveness.
Xometry (NASDAQ:XMTR), il marketplace manifatturiero potenziato dall'IA, ha pubblicato il suo primo Manufacturing Outlook con i trend chiave per il 2026. Basato su ricerche condotte con dirigenti negli Stati Uniti, nel Regno Unito e in Europa, il report individua quattro tendenze principali:
Risultati principali:
- 82% dei dirigenti considera l'IA un motore di crescita fondamentale, con la metà che segnala un ROI significativo
- 74% dei dirigenti sta avviando iniziative di reshoring
- 54% dei dirigenti segnala un aumento delle richieste di qualità
- 76% dei produttori prevede aumenti di prezzo nel 2026
Il documento sottolinea l'importanza di adottare l'IA, di aumentare l'agilità operativa, di soddisfare aspettative cliente più elevate e di implementare strategie di prezzo guidate dal mercato per restare competitivi.
Xometry (NASDAQ:XMTR), el mercado de manufactura potenciado por IA, ha publicado su primer Manufacturing Outlook destacando las tendencias críticas para 2026. El informe, basado en investigaciones con ejecutivos de EE. UU., Reino Unido y Europa, identifica cuatro tendencias clave:
Conclusiones principales:
- 82% de los ejecutivos considera la IA un motor de crecimiento central, y la mitad reporta un ROI significativo
- 74% de los ejecutivos está impulsando iniciativas de reshoring
- 54% de los ejecutivos señala demandas de calidad en aumento
- 76% de los fabricantes planea subir precios en 2026
El informe enfatiza la importancia de adoptar la IA, de la agilidad operativa, de cumplir con las crecientes expectativas de los clientes y de aplicar estrategias de precios orientadas al mercado para mantener la competitividad.
Xometry (NASDAQ:XMTR)는 AI 기반 제조 마켓플레이스로서 2026년 주요 동향을 담은 첫 번째 Manufacturing Outlook 보고서를 발표했습니다. 이 보고서는 미국, 영국 및 유럽의 임원들을 대상으로 한 조사에 기반해 네 가지 핵심 트렌드를 제시합니다:
주요 발견:
- 82%의 임원이 AI를 핵심 성장 동력으로 보며, 절반은 유의미한 투자수익(ROI)을 보고했습니다
- 74%의 임원이 리쇼어링(reshoring) 추진 중입니다
- 54%의 임원이 품질 요구 증가를 지적했습니다
- 76%의 제조업체가 2026년에 가격 인상을 계획하고 있습니다
보고서는 경쟁력을 유지하려면 AI 도입, 운영 민첩성 확보, 높아진 고객 기대 충족, 그리고 시장 주도형 가격 전략 실행이 중요하다고 강조합니다.
Xometry (NASDAQ:XMTR), la place de marché manufacturière propulsée par l'IA, a publié son premier Manufacturing Outlook mettant en lumière les tendances clés pour 2026. Le rapport, fondé sur des recherches auprès de dirigeants aux États-Unis, au Royaume-Uni et en Europe, identifie quatre tendances majeures :
Principales conclusions :
- 82% des dirigeants considèrent l'IA comme un moteur de croissance essentiel, la moitié signalant un ROI significatif
- 74% des dirigeants mènent des initiatives de reshoring
- 54% des dirigeants constatent une augmentation des exigences de qualité
- 76% des fabricants prévoient des hausses de prix en 2026
Le rapport souligne l'importance d'adopter l'IA, d'accroître l'agilité opérationnelle, de répondre à des attentes clients plus élevées et de mettre en place des stratégies tarifaires orientées marché pour rester compétitif.
Xometry (NASDAQ:XMTR), der KI-gestützte Fertigungsmarktplatz, hat seinen ersten Manufacturing Outlook veröffentlicht, der entscheidende Trends für 2026 aufzeigt. Der Bericht basiert auf Befragungen von Führungskräften in den USA, Großbritannien und Europa und identifiziert vier zentrale Trends:
Zentrale Erkenntnisse:
- 82% der Führungskräfte sehen KI als zentralen Wachstumstreiber, wobei die Hälfte von erheblichem ROI berichtet
- 74% der Führungskräfte verfolgt Reshoring-Initiativen
- 54% der Führungskräfte gibt steigende Qualitätsanforderungen an
- 76% der Hersteller plant Preissteigerungen für 2026
Der Bericht betont die Bedeutung von KI-Einführung, operativer Agilität, der Erfüllung steigender Kundenerwartungen und marktorientierter Preissetzungsstrategien, um wettbewerbsfähig zu bleiben.
- 82% of executives report AI as a core growth driver with significant ROI
- Strong focus on operational agility through reshoring and digital workflows
- Strategic shift towards market-driven pricing and supplier diversification
- 76% of manufacturers planning price increases in 2026
- Increasing cost pressures and operational challenges
- Rising customer demands for quality and faster delivery adding pressure on manufacturers
Xometry unveils its inaugural global Manufacturing Outlook, highlighting key trends and strategies for manufacturers
NORTH BETHESDA, Md., Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Xometry, Inc. (NASDAQ:XMTR), the global AI-powered marketplace connecting buyers with suppliers of manufacturing services, unveiled its inaugural Manufacturing Outlook report, a forward-looking analysis of the forces shaping the manufacturing industry for 2026.
Drawing on proprietary research with manufacturing executives across the U.S., U.K. and Europe, along with insights from Xometry and external subject matter experts, the Manufacturing Outlook provides a global perspective on strategies and capabilities that will define success in the year ahead. It is designed as a resource for decision-makers across the manufacturing industry, offering practical insights to help them navigate rising expectations, accelerating technology, and persistent cost pressures.
The report identifies four trends that will shape global manufacturing in 2026:
- AI as a Competitive Necessity –
82% of executives view AI as a core growth driver, with nearly half already reporting significant ROI. AI has moved beyond the hype to become a business-critical tool for manufacturing, and adoption is expanding into critical areas such as supply chain, procurement and quality control—areas that will set the pace for industry innovation. - Agility as the New Currency –
74% of executives are reshoring or planning to reshore operations, underscoring the need for resilient digital workflows. The most successful companies will be those that proactively architect systems for speed, resilience and adaptability. Integrating digital workflows and strengthening supplier networks will help manufacturers reduce overhead, move faster and empower teams to focus on high-value tasks. - Rising Customer Expectations –
54% of executives cite higher quality demands, with faster delivery and greater transparency also among the most striking shifts in customer demands. In response, manufacturers are embracing market-driven pricing strategies and forming strategic partnerships that extend beyond traditional cost, quality and speed considerations. - Sourcing for Stability – With
76% planning price increases in 2026, manufacturers are rethinking their pricing models and supply chains to stay competitive. In response, there is a notable shift toward market-driven pricing emerging. Instead of rigid formulas, many companies are embracing new strategies including forming strategic partnerships and diversifying suppliers across regions.
“Manufacturers are under intense pressure to do more with less and to meet growing customer expectations, even as costs are rising and global disruptions persist,” said Randy Altschuler, CEO at Xometry. “This report reflects the conversations we’re having every day with manufacturers about the challenges and opportunities ahead. The Manufacturing Outlook is intended to serve as a barometer for where the industry is headed and how companies can prepare.”
Download the Report
The 2026 Manufacturing Outlook is available now, with insights tailored for the United States and European markets.
Methodology
All data points are sourced from Xometry, Thomas, and a joint survey conducted by Xometry and Zogby Strategies. The survey was conducted in August 2025 and had a total of 300 respondents.
About Xometry
Xometry’s (NASDAQ: XMTR) AI-powered marketplace, popular Thomasnet® industrial sourcing platform and suite of cloud-based services are rapidly digitizing the manufacturing industry. Xometry provides manufacturers the critical resources they need to grow their business and streamlines the procurement process for buyers through real-time pricing and lead time data. Learn more at xometry.com and xometry.eu.
Media Contact
Lauran Cacciatori
VP Communications
773-610-0806
lauran.cacciatori@xometry.com
Investor Contact
Shawn Milne
VP Investor Relations
240-335-8132
shawn.milne@xometry.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f8a721e8-8191-4e5e-a4f9-a203068816e1
FAQ
What are the main trends identified in Xometry's 2026 Manufacturing Outlook report?
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What methodology did Xometry use for their 2026 Manufacturing Outlook report?
