Preparedness, inventory, and reliable supply chains are proving critical as domestic energy production accelerates.

Following the global oil market disruption in the spring of 2026, U.S. oil and gas producers have faced increasing pressure to expand domestic production. As drilling activity, refinery turnarounds, pipeline construction, and offshore projects accelerate, the demand for lifting and rigging equipment has risen sharply.

To better understand how these market conditions are affecting the industry, AMH spoke with several of its largest distributors serving the oil and gas sector. Their feedback revealed a common theme: success depends on having certified lifting equipment available when customers need it.

Increased Activity Creates Supply Chain Pressure

When oil companies increase production, the effects ripple throughout the entire supply chain. More drilling activity, refinery maintenance, infrastructure expansion, and equipment relocations all require lifting and rigging solutions, often simultaneously.

The result is demand that can outpace supply. Because project schedules leave little room for delays, contractors and industrial customers rely on distributors to have certified, specification-compliant equipment in stock and ready for immediate shipment.

How Rigging Distributors Are Responding

Distributors report focusing on two key areas they can control.

First, manufacturers must maintain sufficient inventory of high-demand products while preserving flexible manufacturing capabilities that can quickly respond to changing market conditions.

Second, distributors continue to invest in inventory of hoists, slings, and lifting hardware while maintaining close communication with suppliers to minimize stock shortages and ensure dependable delivery.

Tariffs Add Another Layer of Complexity

One of the most significant challenges facing the industry has been the constantly evolving tariff environment.

Frequent changes in import costs have made it difficult to accurately forecast landed pricing, creating uncertainty for both distributors and end users. Successful rigging suppliers have responded by maintaining regular communication with manufacturers, monitoring cost changes, and providing customers with timely updates to minimize unexpected pricing surprises.

Products Seeing the Highest Demand

Distributors consistently report increased demand for products used during refinery turnarounds, maintenance shutdowns, and new construction projects.

Among the highest-demand products are:

• Chain hoists
• Chain slings
• Grade 100 lifting hardware
• Synthetic lifting slings
• High-capacity and specialty lifting equipment

These products remain essential across refinery maintenance, pipeline construction, petrochemical facilities, and offshore operations.

AMH Supports Distributors with Reliable Supply

Throughout these market conditions, AMH has remained committed to supporting distributors with dependable inventory, consistent lead times, and responsive customer service.

Among the products seeing the strongest demand are the AMH MA/LA Series chain hoists, which feature significant U.S. manufacturing content. Their load chains are manufactured, tested, and assembled in the United States, providing distributors with a dependable solution backed by domestic production.

Also experiencing strong demand is the CARTEC® line of Grade 100 lifting accessories. Manufactured in Italy, CARTEC has been serving the U.S. lifting industry for more than 20 years and continues to grow its presence among distributors supporting critical infrastructure and energy projects.

“At AMH, we understand the position distributors are in when a trusted product is not available,” said Peter Brettner, President of AMH. “Our goal is simple: provide a reliable, in-stock alternative that allows our partners to continue serving their customers without disruption.”

All Material Handling, Inc. is a trusted supplier of lifting and rigging products, known for high-quality equipment, responsive service, and dependable delivery across North America. Learn more at www.allmaterialhandling.com.