Arlington, VA - February, 27, 2026 - The latest CEO Outlook survey from Manufacturers Alliance shows nearly 30 mid- to large-cap manufacturing leaders entering 2026 with steady confidence and renewed expansion expectations—even as macroeconomic caution persists.
While economic concerns remain elevated, 64% of manufacturing CEOs now expect business expansion in 2026, a 19-point increase from mid-2025 and nearly matching January 2025 levels (63%). At the same time, expectations for contraction declined by 18% from their May 2025 peak, signaling reduced downside risk in executive forecasts.
“Our latest outlook found that manufacturing CEOs are more confident weathering the global uncertainty. While the environment has not stabilized, companies have adapted to the ’new normal’ by shifting supply chains and refocusing on growth activities to manage within this environment,” added Stephen Gold, President and CEO of Manufacturers Alliance.
Key Survey Insights:
Confidence Holds Steady Amid Volatility
Overall, CEO confidence in their ability to navigate ongoing uncertainty remains strong.
- 86% of respondents report being very or somewhat confident in leading through current conditions.
- Only 4% expressed uncertainty in January 2026, down from 10% in May 2025.
- The share of CEOs reporting low confidence continues to decline from last year.
Expansion Signals Strengthen
Manufacturers report a meaningful rebound in growth expectations:
- 64% expect expansion in 2026 (up 19 points from May 2025).
- Contraction concerns have eased significantly from their 2025 high.
- Sentiment is now aligned with stronger early-2025 outlook levels.
Strategic Priorities: Macroeconomics, Tariffs, and Pricing Dominate
The top executive concerns remain unchanged:
- Economic conditions
- Tariffs
- Pricing pressures
However, geopolitical risk perceptions have shifted notably. China-specific concerns dropped from fourth place in early 2025 to eleventh in 2026 rankings, indicating a reprioritization toward broader macroeconomic pressures.
Secondary risks are becoming more fluid as leaders recalibrate around global demand patterns and trade policy.
