Factories Lose 8K Jobs in December as Manufacturing Slump Persists

For Immediate Release: January 9, 2026

Washington, D.C. - U.S. factories lost 8,000 jobs in December, according to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on Friday.

Alliance for American Manufacturing President Scott Paul said:

"Factory jobs continued their slow and steady decline over the past 34 months with a disappointing 8,000 jobs lost in December. I continue to believe that manufacturing is poised for a rebound in 2026, with considerable tailwinds from lower interest rates, more tariff certainty, and all that construction paying off with jobs on the factory floor. There is still an urgent need to upgrade training opportunities, with older workers in manufacturing retiring at a rapid clip."

Paul is available for interview.

AAM is tracking five emerging trends in U.S. manufacturing this year:

• a potential rise in factory jobs in response to lower interest rates, trade stability, and an improving macroeconomy
• growth in factory openings that build upon the strength of 2025's factory construction
• tariffs applied through existing trade authorities amid a falling goods trade deficit and continued U.S.-China trade negotiations
• expanded Pell Grant access for manufacturing training programs
• artificial intelligence data centers crowding out manufacturing for talent, energy and materials

At 10 a.m. EST today, the Supreme Court may issue its ruling on President Trump's use of tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Though these "reciprocal" tariffs may be nullified, crucial tariffs on steel and other imports that threaten U.S. national security will remain in place.