Per NFPA, the 12/12 values returned to positive territory in August as well. The 12/12 value — the percent change between the 12 most recent months and those same 12 months 1 year ago — for total fluid power was 0.2% in August. For pneumatics it was 0.6% and 2.6% for hydraulics, all of which was an improvement from July’s reported 12/12 values.

With the 3/12 values also up in August, NFPA says the month’s shipment data confirms the signs which have started to show stable growth for the hydraulics and pneumatics industry.

NFPA first reported a potential return to more stable market conditions in May when the 12/12 rate of change began showing improvements compared to previous months. Improvements were reported in June and July as well, further contributing to expectations for more stable conditions going forward. 

Flip through the media gallery above for charts showing fluid power shipment and order trends through August 2026.

The data and charts in this media gallery are from NFPA’s Confidential Shipment Statistics (CSS) program where over 60 manufacturers of fluid power products report their monthly orders and shipments.