AEM Sets Ambitious Pro-Manufacturing Agenda For 2026

AEM is doubling down on its mission to advance policies that will help equipment manufacturers to invest in their communities, grow their businesses, and create more family-sustaining jobs. At a time defined by legislative uncertainty, rapid political change, and surging geopolitical tensions, AEM is unveiling an ambitious pro-manufacturing agenda to create an environment defined by growth, innovation, and investment across North America.

"From Washington, D.C. and Ottawa to state and provincial capitals, AEM is vigorously advocating for policies that will help drive innovation, job creation, and economic growth fueled by stable regulations, a competitive tax regime, modern infrastructure, and robust trade," said Kip Eideberg, AEM's senior vice president of government and industry relations.

"AEM is going on the offense in 2026, partnering with policymakers who are serious about economic growth, industrial strength, and the long-term competitiveness of the North American market," added Eideberg.

U.S. Focus

AEM is closely monitoring and engaging on regulatory and legislative issues that could impact equipment manufacturers' ability to innovate, invest, and create jobs. The focus is squarely on delivering results - not rhetoric - by advancing policies that will strengthen manufacturing capacity and bolster U.S. economic security. In particular, AEM will focus on the following eight areas to help move the industry forward: infrastructure, rural America, workforce, trade, tax, immigration, technology, and the environment.

Key policy priorities include creating sustainable, long-term funding mechanisms for roads, bridges, water, energy, and other critical infrastructure assets, expanding the adoption of precision agriculture technologies, retooling workforce development for the 21st century, and advancing free enterprise, competitive markets, and rules-based trade and investment.

View the 2026 U.S. Policy Priorities brochure here.

Canada Focus

As a part of AEM's growing advocacy efforts in Canada, AEM is outlining an ambitious pro-manufacturing agenda that will guide its engagement with policymakers at the provincial and federal levels. Priorities focus on supporting new nation-building infrastructure-including ports, mines, and trade corridors-to bolster Canada's competitiveness, preparing workers for future jobs, and securing trade agreements that unlock export markets for Canada's equipment manufacturers.

Key priorities include advancing nation-building infrastructure projects, expanding investment in future of agricultural technologies and access to precision agriculture, strengthening careers and technical education programs, preserving and enhancing CUSMA, breaking down interprovincial barriers to trade, and promoting tax policies that incentivize capital investment, productivity, and R&D.

View AEM's 2026 Canadian policy priorities brochure here.