3 North American Manufacturing Stocks Watching Tariffs And Cost Pressures

Tariff headlines are back in focus, with fresh Section 301 proposals, shifting steel and aluminum duties, and questions around USMCA all reshaping the cost of doing business across borders. For North American manufacturers, higher and more uncertain trade costs can either squeeze margins or create openings where competitors face bigger hurdles. This article looks at three stocks from a U.S., Canada, and Mexico manufacturing screener that appear positioned to benefit from these policy moves. It explores how their business models intersect with the latest tariff rules and where investors may want to dig deeper.

Century Aluminum (CENX)

Overview: Century Aluminum produces primary aluminum and alumina, supplying both standard and higher value products from smelters in the United States and Iceland, supported by a carbon anode plant in the Netherlands and bauxite and alumina operations in Jamaica.

Operations: The company generates all its US$2.5b of revenue from primary aluminum, with around US$1.9b coming from the United States and about US$660 million from Iceland.

Market Cap: US$5.4b

Century Aluminum sits at the heart of the tariff story, with a largely U.S. and EU production footprint that benefits when Section 232 and Section 301 measures raise costs for overseas competitors and support regional aluminum premiums. Recent trade actions limiting imports from China and other countries, together with projects like the Mt. Holly expansion and the planned Oklahoma smelter, position the company to serve reshoring and electrification demand while tapping U.S. manufacturing tax credits. At the same time, investors need to weigh meaningful risks, including sensitivity to power and raw material costs, heavy reliance on supportive trade policy, and some recent insider selling. All of these factors can affect the quality and durability of current profitability and growth expectations.

Tariff fueled momentum at Century Aluminum looks powerful, but the full story sits in how policy support, power costs and new U.S. projects interact. Start with the 4 key rewards and 2 important warning signs (1 is major!)

NasdaqGS:CENX Earnings & Revenue History as at Jun 2026

West Fraser Timber (TSX:WFG)

Overview: West Fraser Timber is a large Canadian wood products company that makes lumber, engineered wood panels, pulp, paper, and bioenergy inputs used in housing, renovation, packaging, and industrial applications across North America and Europe.

Operations: West Fraser Timber generates most of its US$5.3b of revenue from Lumber at US$2.5b and North America Engineered Wood Products at US$2.0b, with Europe Engineered Wood Products contributing US$524 million and the balance from segment adjustments and corporate items.

Market Cap: CA$7.8b

West Fraser Timber stands out in this screener because it sits on the right side of several trade and sustainability trends, yet still carries meaningful risks. As a Canadian exporter into the U.S., it benefits when Section 301 tariffs raise costs for overseas competitors while USMCA keeps its own trade channels relatively open, even as softwood lumber duties and tariff uncertainty remain a drag. Some analysts highlight the possibility of a shift from current losses to future profitability, supported by higher margin engineered wood products, mill modernization and a growing sustainability story including emissions targets and long term fibre agreements. At the same time, recent losses, ongoing trade disputes and a dividend that is not covered by earnings show that the recovery path is not straightforward.

West Fraser Timber’s shift from basic lumber to higher margin engineered wood and bio-products could be more than a cycle story. Yet the real twist is buried in the 2 key rewards and 1 important major warning sign

TSX:WFG Revenue & Expenses Breakdown as at Jun 2026

Amprius Technologies (AMPX)

Overview: Amprius Technologies develops and sells silicon anode lithium ion batteries, with its SiCore and SiMaxx product lines designed for high energy density mobility uses such as drones, high altitude aircraft and other emerging aviation platforms.

Operations: Amprius Technologies generates US$90.3m of revenue from its Battery Business, with around US$62.8m from EMEA customers, US$15.9m from North America and US$11.5m from Asia Pacific.

Market Cap: US$2.2b

Amprius Technologies sits at the intersection of tariff policy and next generation battery demand, with U.S. anchored supply chains, high energy density cells and a growing mix of defense, drone and electric mobility customers. New Section 301 tariffs that keep import costs elevated for foreign battery suppliers can affect the relative economics for Amprius, particularly as it secures multi million contracts, expands global capacity and raises 2026 revenue guidance. The flip side is real execution risk, including heavy exposure to aviation and drone demand, complex scale up of silicon anode technology, share dilution and ongoing losses that still need to narrow. For investors watching North American manufacturing, a key question is how those policy tailwinds, growth targets and balance sheet risks fit together into a coherent risk reward view on Amprius.

Amprius Technologies is racing to scale high energy batteries as tariffs reshape who wins future defense and drone contracts, but the real tension between its ambition and its risks sits inside the 3 key rewards and 3 important warning signs

NYSE:AMPX Earnings & Revenue Growth as at Jun 2026

The three stocks covered here are only a starting point, with the full North American Manufacturing screen surfacing 44 more companies that share similarly compelling fundamentals and policy linked narratives inside the North American Manufacturing screener. Use Simply Wall St to identify, filter and analyze the specific catalysts, financial profiles and trade related angles that matter most so you can focus on the highest conviction manufacturing ideas across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

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Fresh ideas can move fast, and the stocks leading the next breakout rarely stay under the radar for long. Before momentum is gone and prices start flying, act now.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data
and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your
financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data.
Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material.
Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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Supreme Nonwoven opens first US manufacturing plant in North Carolina

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has announced that Supreme Nonwoven Inc, a manufacturer of advanced nonwoven materials and products, will establish its first manufacturing facility in the United States in Lexington. The project is expected to create 50 new jobs in Davidson County and involve an investment of $25.8 million.

The company, which has built a strong reputation over the past four decades, serves customers across the apparel, automotive, filtration, and industrial sectors through its broad portfolio of material technologies and value-added solutions.

Supreme Nonwoven Inc will invest $25.8 million to establish its first US manufacturing facility in Lexington, North Carolina, creating 50 jobs.
The 200,000-square-foot plant will serve apparel, automotive, filtration, and industrial customers across North America, while strengthening technical collaboration and supporting the company’s regional growth strategy.

Stein said, “Our state is a premier destination for textile innovation. Our history in this industry is enhanced by a skilled workforce that is ready to support global companies seeking to establish and expand their presence in the US.”

The new facility, spanning more than 200,000 square feet, will function as a centre for technical collaboration, allowing the company to work more closely with North American customers and partners on customised material solutions. The site is expected to enhance responsiveness, support tailored applications, and provide access to the latest developments in nonwoven technologies.

Amit Kavrie, managing director of Supreme Group said, “We see this as an important step in bringing our material technologies and development capabilities closer to customers in the region while building a foundation for long-term growth.”

“Lexington offers us a strong base from which to support customers with responsiveness, technical collaboration, and reliable execution,” said Manoj Swain, director of international operations of Supreme Group adding, “As we build this operation, our focus will be on creating the right competencies locally while also drawing on the broader capabilities of the Group to serve regional customer requirements over time.”

The new positions will offer an average annual salary of $55,800, above Davidson County’s average wage of $54,395. The project is expected to generate an annual payroll impact of approximately $2.79 million for the local economy.

To support the investment, the company has been awarded a performance-based grant of $100,000 from the One North Carolina Fund.

North Carolina Senator Steve Jarvis said, “Investments like this create good jobs, strengthen our local economy, and demonstrate confidence in the business-friendly climate we have worked hard to build across North Carolina. I look forward to the positive impact this project will have on our community and families for years to come.”

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (CG)

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Lockheed Martin And GM Defense Partner To Strengthen U.S. Manufacturing And Defense Industrial Base

Lockheed Martin and GM Defense announced a new collaboration intended to strengthen America’s manufacturing and defense industrial base.

The collaboration was facilitated by the U.S. Department of War and is structured under a memorandum of understanding. Through the MOU, the companies will explore opportunities to accelerate the delivery of critical defense capabilities and innovation.

The partnership is expected to combine Lockheed Martin’s defense production expertise with General Motors’ advanced industrial capabilities in high-rate commercial manufacturing and engineering.

The collaboration will focus on three areas: strengthening defense supply chains, advancing manufacturing and design capabilities, and evaluating opportunities to expand production capacity through commercial manufacturing expertise and infrastructure.

Initial efforts will include exploring ways to accelerate production readiness and apply proven commercial manufacturing approaches to defense production requirements.

The companies said the collaboration reflects growing demand across the defense sector for greater production capacity, supply chain resilience, and manufacturing agility.

By combining commercial and defense expertise, Lockheed Martin and GM Defense aim to identify opportunities that can accelerate production timelines while maintaining the quality, performance, and reliability standards required for mission-critical systems.

Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company focused on advancing all-domain mission solutions. GM Defense delivers integrated vehicles, power, autonomy, and connectivity solutions to defense, security, and government markets.

KEY QUOTES:

“America’s security depends not only on developing advanced technologies, but on our ability to produce them quickly, reliably and at scale. This collaboration brings together two leaders in American manufacturing and innovation to explore new ways to strengthen the defense industrial base, expand production capacity and accelerate delivery of critical capabilities for the United States and its allies.”

Frank St. John, Chief Operating Officer of Lockheed Martin

“Working together, GM Defense and Lockheed will further strengthen American manufacturing and national defense by driving greater speed, efficiency, and innovation in the aerospace and defense sectors. Over the coming weeks, we will be working to identify initial projects to pursue together.”

Steve duMont, President of GM Defense

 

 

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Trump Claims Apple And Intel Struck A Major US Chip Manufacturing Deal

President Donald Trump announced today that Apple has finalized a historic deal to design and manufacture its next-generation chips using Intel’s facilities on American soil. Neither company has commented on the claim, but if true, this would be huge for Apple, which has spent years relying heavily on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) to build the custom silicon powering its iPhones and Macs. It’s only a matter of time when we find out whether Trump’s strong-arming tech companies to repatriate their manufacturing in the United States truly pans out.

Again, assuming Trump’s post on Truth Social is accurate, the deal is the culmination of a yearlong pressure campaign led by U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who reportedly met with Apple leadership repeatedly to broker a domestic alliance with Intel. Rumors of a preliminary partnership had been circulating for months, so it’s possible that Trump’s post alludes to something real. Also In his post, President Trump heavily critiqued previous administrations for allowing foreign nations to dominate the semiconductor landscape, emphasizing his use of tariffs and economic incentives to force major tech players back to domestic supply chains.

For Intel, securing Apple as a foundry customer would be a monumental victory. Once the undisputed titan of the chip world with its “Intel Inside” branding, the company struggled for years to keep pace with foreign competitors as production moved overseas. Under the direction of former CEO Pat Gelsinger and current CEO Lip-Bu Tan, Intel aggressively overhauled its foundry division. The company successfully executed its ambitious roadmap to develop five manufacturing nodes in four years, culminating in its 18A process.

Insider reports suggest that Apple has already begun testing system-on-chips (SoCs) built on Intel’s updated 18A-P tech. Testing is slated to continue through the end of 2026, with full-scale production and initial deliveries for Apple’s M7 Mac chips targeted for late 2027, followed by next-generation iPhone chips built on Intel’s 14A node by 2028. Intel is expected to fulfill Apple’s domestic orders across its heavily
subsidized fabrication plants in Oregon, Arizona, and Ohio.

Also at play here is the ongoing financial entanglement between the federal government and Intel. In August last year, the U.S. government took an 10% equity stake in Intel via an $8.9 billion taxpayer investment. This capital injection combined funds originally earmarked through the CHIPS Act with resources from the military’s Secure Enclave program. In his statement, Trump explicitly tied the government’s stake to Intel’s recent financial turnaround, claiming the company’s valuation has soared from $100 billion to $600 billion due to the state’s intervention and subsequent high-profile contracts, which also include a partnership with Elon Musk’s TeraFab.

Shares of Intel are up more than 9% this morning on the heel’s of President Trump’s post. Apple’s stock is up around 0.33% at the time of this writing.

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nLIGHT Stock And The Quiet Resilience Of US Domestic Manufacturing

Tariffs, shifting trade rules, and pressure on global supply chains are reshaping how investors think about US manufacturing stocks. Instead of relying on smooth cross-border trade, markets are reassessing companies that produce more at home and can better control their costs and inputs. This article looks at three US Domestic Manufacturing screener stocks that are directly exposed to these trade headlines and may react in different ways as policies evolve. Each stock is assessed on its business mix, exposure to tariffs and supply chains, and balance of risks and potential resilience, to help you decide whether they deserve a closer look or a wider berth.

nLIGHT (LASR)

Overview: nLIGHT designs and manufactures high power semiconductor and fiber lasers used in aerospace and defense systems, industrial cutting and welding, and precise microfabrication, with much of its production based in US facilities. The company also supplies laser amplifiers and control systems that slot into high energy directed energy platforms for military customers worldwide.

Operations: nLIGHT generates about US$201.8 million from Products and US$88.1 million from Development, with roughly US$208.8 million of revenue from North America and around US$81.1 million combined from EMEA and Asia Pacific.

Market Cap: US$3.7b

nLIGHT sits at the intersection of onshoring and defense modernization, with vertically integrated US manufacturing and a growing focus on high energy directed energy systems that align with domestic industrial and security priorities in a world of rising tariffs and supply chain friction. Recent launches such as the HADES 70 kW class laser weapon module and a move toward scalable production have drawn analyst attention. At the same time, forecasts of faster revenue and earnings growth sit beside a history of losses, premium valuation multiples, insider selling, and dependence on government programs. For investors tracking US manufacturing and defense exposure, the key question is whether nLIGHT’s defense led trajectory and supply chain positioning justify those risks and the current pricing.

nLIGHT’s expansion into high energy defense systems is drawing attention, but the more important consideration is how current expectations compare with its profile of losses, premium pricing, and dependence on government customers, so it is worth reading the 2 key rewards and 2 important warning signs

NasdaqGS:LASR Earnings & Revenue Growth as at Jun 2026

Clearfield (CLFD)

Overview: Clearfield designs and manufactures fiber management and delivery hardware that helps telecom carriers, community broadband providers, and enterprises deploy high speed internet, 5G, and data networks more efficiently across the United States and abroad.

Operations: Clearfield generates about US$148.5 million in revenue, with roughly US$142.0 million from the United States and US$6.5 million from other countries.

Market Cap: US$537.2 million

Clearfield stock is part of the broader discussion about onshoring and tariff risk because its fiber panels, cabinets, and connectors support US broadband builds while relying on a deliberately diversified supply chain. Management highlights dual sourcing between US and Mexican plants under USMCA, long standing Asian supplier relationships outside China, and the ability to shift cable production back to US facilities, all aimed at keeping product flowing even as trade rules change. At the same time, investors may consider current losses, valuation, insider selling, and reliance on government supported rural broadband programs alongside analyst expectations for revenue and earnings. The tension between that tariff resilience narrative and those financial trade offs is a key consideration when evaluating Clearfield.

Clearfield’s story of US focused broadband hardware, diversified suppliers, and government backed projects raises a bigger question, so review the 1 key reward and 3 important warning signs

NasdaqGM:CLFD Earnings & Revenue Growth as at Jun 2026

Daktronics (DAKT)

Overview: Daktronics designs, manufactures, and sells electronic scoreboards, large LED video displays, and digital signage used in sports venues, airports, highways, retail, and other public spaces across the United States and internationally.

Operations: Daktronics generates about US$295.8 million from Live Events, US$181.0 million from Commercial, US$177.4 million from High School Park and Recreation, US$77.0 million from International, and US$71.4 million from Transportation, with roughly US$709.2 million of revenue from the United States and US$93.4 million from outside the US.

Market Cap: US$977.1 million

Daktronics stock stands out in a tariff heavy world because around 80% of its finished products are built in US factories, management reports that less than half of its US factory inputs are imported, and recent tariff costs have been described as either negligible or already built into pricing and contracts. At the same time, the company is landing high profile projects at major airports and MLB stadiums. Analysts have noted expectations for stronger earnings and a higher future return on equity, even as revenue changes appear more modest and one off items and new leadership keep results choppy. For investors who want to understand whether this mix of US focused manufacturing, tariff flexibility, and project based activity justifies the risks, Daktronics may warrant closer attention.

Daktronics looks like a US manufacturing story that is quietly decoupling tariff worries from its order book, so it could be worth reading the 3 key rewards and 1 important warning sign to see what might be hiding behind those high profile projects.

NasdaqGS:DAKT Earnings & Revenue Growth as at Jun 2026

The three US manufacturing stocks in this article are a starting point, but the full US Domestic Manufacturing screener surfaces 42 more companies with equally compelling stories around domestic production, supply chains, and industrial capacity. Use Simply Wall St to identify and analyze the specific catalysts, financial health metrics, and business narratives that match your own highest conviction ideas in US manufacturing.

Take Control of Your Investment Journey

If nLIGHT or any of these companies sound like a great opportunity, register for FREE with Simply Wall St and add your companies to a Watchlist to monitor the share price against the fair value the ideal entry point.
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Throughout your journey, our Community allows you to filter the best ideas from thousands of investor perspectives.
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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data
and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your
financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data.
Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material.
Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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Johnson & Johnson Announces Another $1B US Manufacturing Plant

Johnson & Johnson announced plans to invest more than $1 billion in another new, US-based manufacturing site, this time in Florida. 

The global pharmaceutical manufacturer’s aim in building the new, Jacksonville facility is to strengthen its Vision operations by scaling US-based manufacturing, packaging, and distribution capabilities, according to a company news release. 

The investment also includes advanced manufacturing and packaging technologies to expand capacity and meet growing demand for Johnson & Johnson’s Acuvue brand contact lenses, used by more than 40 million patients worldwide, according to the company. The global pharmaceutical company manufactures more than 1.7 billion Acuvue contact lenses annually for US patients.

“This investment reinforces our long-standing conviction that advanced manufacturing in the United States is essential to delivering innovative, high quality healthcare solutions to patients at home and around the world,” Joaquin Duato, chairman and chief executive officer of Johnson & Johnson, said in the news release. 

Related:Lilly to Acquire 3 Vaccine Manufacturers

Duato added in the news release that the investment will bolster the resilience of Johnson & Johnson’s US supply chain. 

The global pharmaceutical manufacturer stated in the news release that it initially established a presence in Jacksonville in 1981 and has more than 1.5 million square feet of manufacturing, research, distribution, and operations facilities in the city today. 

The new facility is part of the pharmaceutical manufacturer’s previously announced $55 billion US investment in manufacturing, research and development, and technology through early 2029. Construction of the new facility is underway. J&J expects it to be fully operational in 2028.

The investment builds on J&J’s $6 billion annual economic impact in Florida, and supports the continued growth of its Jacksonville operations, strengthening opportunities for the 3,500 employees based in the area while reinforcing the regional economy.

In February, the global drug maker announced another investment of more than $1 billion in a next-generation cell therapy manufacturing facility in Montgomery County, PA. Additionally, in North Carolina, Johnson & Johnson is building a $2 billion drug product manufacturing facility.

The considerable investment is part of a larger push by pharmaceutical manufacturers to onshore or reshore their facilities, in part to avoid tariffs. Companies that are investing in building and expanding US-based facilities and research centers as part of three-year agreements include: 

Related:How CDMOs Turn “Undruggable” Into “Developable”

The multinational drug maker also announced plans to invest in a new Pennsylvania-based manufacturing facility — to the tune of more than $3.5 billion — in February.

In September, it started construction of its new active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing plant in North Chicago, and announced a $1.95 billion investment to expand API production in the US in August 2025.

Related:Sun Pharma to Acquire US Drug Maker

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Lockheed Martin and GM Defense to explore manufacturing collaboration aimed at strengthening U.S. defense industrial base

Lockheed Martin and GM Defense have announced a new collaboration to strengthen the U.S. manufacturing and defense industrial base. The effort was facilitated by the U.S. Department of War.

The companies will work under a memorandum of understanding. They will explore opportunities to accelerate the delivery of critical capabilities and innovation.

The collaboration is intended to combine Lockheed Martin’s defense production expertise with General Motors’ industrial capabilities. GM brings experience in high-rate commercial manufacturing and engineering.

The companies said the work will focus on strengthening defense supply chains. It will also cover manufacturing and design capabilities, as well as potential production capacity expansion through commercial manufacturing expertise and infrastructure.

Initial efforts will include exploring ways to accelerate production readiness. The companies will also assess how proven commercial manufacturing approaches could support defense production requirements.

“America’s security depends not only on developing advanced technologies, but on our ability to produce them quickly, reliably and at scale,” said Frank St. John, chief operating officer, Lockheed Martin. “This collaboration brings together two leaders in American manufacturing and innovation to explore new ways to strengthen the defense industrial base, expand production capacity and accelerate delivery of critical capabilities for the United States and its allies.”

“Working together, GM Defense and Lockheed will further strengthen American manufacturing and national defense by driving greater speed, efficiency, and innovation in the aerospace and defense sectors,” said Steve duMont, president of GM Defense. “Over the coming weeks, we will be working to identify initial projects to pursue together.”

The companies said the collaboration reflects growing demand across the defense sector. They identified production capacity, supply chain resilience and manufacturing agility as key areas of need.

By combining commercial and defense expertise, Lockheed Martin and GM Defense aim to identify opportunities to accelerate production timelines. The companies said any such work would need to maintain the quality, performance and reliability standards required for mission-critical systems.

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NAFTZ Supports Senate Bill Meant to Enhance U.S. Manufacturing Competitiveness Across North America

Measure would help restore parity for U.S. manufacturers exporting to Canada and Mexico, strengthening North American supply chains and cross-border trade

WASHINGTON, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones (NAFTZ), the only national trade association focused solely on the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones program, today applauded the introduction of Senate companion legislation from U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of American importers and exporters operating in U.S. FTZs.

The National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones (NAFTZ) today applauded the introduction of Senate companion legislation from Sens. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Katie Britt (R-Ala.), aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of American importers and exporters operating in U.S. FTZs.
(Photo by Harold Mendoza on Unsplash)

The legislation – co-sponsored by Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) – mirrors the recently introduced Foreign-Trade Zone Export Enhancement Act in the House and would provide duty-relief benefits for certain goods produced or altered in federally designated U.S. FTZs and subsequently exported to Canada and Mexico. The proposal addresses a longstanding imbalance under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) that has placed businesses operating in U.S. FTZs at a competitive disadvantage relative to counterparts in Canada and Mexico.

Annual trade between the U.S., Canada and Mexico totals roughly $1.8 trillion, with operators increasingly relying on cross-border production, sourcing and export relationships to remain globally competitive. Yet, under current USMCA rules, businesses operating in U.S. FTZs must pay duties on inputs before exporting finished goods to North American partners – even when those products would otherwise qualify for preferential treatment under the agreement.

Meanwhile, competing manufacturers in Canada and Mexico benefit from national duty-relief programs that eliminate comparable costs – including Mexico’s PROSEC program and Canada’s targeted tariff relief efforts.

“South Carolina companies operating in Foreign-Trade Zones make significant contributions to the Palmetto State’s economy,” said Sen. Scott. “My bill levels the playing field for our businesses by making sure American manufacturing remains globally competitive, boosting USA-made exports, and supporting American jobs.”

Ultimately, the bill would clarify U.S. trade law to ensure qualifying goods produced in U.S. FTZs can benefit from duty-relief treatment when exported to Canada and Mexico, helping restore the intent behind the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones program – first established by Congress in 1934 to promote domestic production and exports.

“U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones were designed to make the nation a more competitive place to invest and operate in,” said Jeff Tafel, president of NAFTZ. “Unfortunately, current USMCA rules have produced the opposite result for many U.S. FTZ-based operations, imposing costs that competitors in Canada and Mexico often do not face. Sen. Scott’s proposal recognizes that American businesses should not be penalized simply because they operate within one of these zones.”

NAFTZ has advocated for reforms addressing this issue since the NAFTA era and has continued that effort through the implementation of USMCA. The association maintains that the legislation would not weaken the agreement, but rather ensure that U.S. operators receive treatment comparable to that already available to competing North American producers.

The organization also noted that the proposal aligns with broader national priorities surrounding reshoring, supply-chain security and domestic industrial growth.

“At a time when policymakers are focused on strengthening North American supply chains and encouraging manufacturing investment in the U.S., this legislation addresses a clear policy inconsistency that has persisted for far too long,” said Melissa Irmen, director of advocacy for NAFTZ. “The bill would help reduce cost disparities for qualifying U.S. FTZ operators, encourage additional investment in U.S. production facilities, and better align USMCA implementation with the original purpose of the U.S. FTZ program.”

Irmen added: “We appreciate Sen. Scott’s leadership and look forward to working with lawmakers in both chambers to advance this important measure.”

U.S. FTZ users like AFL, a South Carolina-based manufacturer of fiber-optic cable, hardware and equipment, are equally hopeful for the bill’s eventual passage.

“We appreciate Senator Scott’s leadership in supporting policies that strengthen U.S. manufacturing competitiveness,” said Jaxon Lang, CEO and President of AFL. “This legislation will help ensure that products manufactured in South Carolina can be exported efficiently to Canada and Mexico, allowing companies like AFL to compete on a level playing field and continue investing in jobs and innovation here at home.”

NAFTZ now intends to work directly with Congress, the administration and key industry stakeholders to further the proposal. Its House counterpart is pending review among the chamber’s Ways and Means Committee.

About the National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones (NAFTZ)

The National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones (NAFTZ) is the collective voice of the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones community. Representing public and private sector members across the United States, NAFTZ is dedicated to advancing the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones program through advocacy, education and collaboration. The association works to promote policies that strengthen U.S. competitiveness, encourage domestic investment and job creation, and support secure and efficient international trade operations. For more information visit: www.naftz.org.

SOURCE National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones

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Democrats Introduce Bill to Boost U.S. Manufacturing, Reduce Reliance on China

Washington — Senate Democrats have introduced sweeping legislation aimed at rebuilding America’s manufacturing base, reducing reliance on Chinese-dominated supply chains and expanding federal support for industries viewed as critical to U.S. economic and national security.

The Make More in America Act would broaden the mandate of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, known as EXIM, allowing it to finance domestic manufacturing projects in sectors including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, biotechnology, robotics, batteries and shipbuilding.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said the measure is intended to address vulnerabilities exposed by repeated disruptions to global supply chains, which he said have contributed to higher costs for American consumers.

“Americans cannot keep paying the price every time a supply chain crisis hits — whether it’s a pandemic, a war, or the whims of the Chinese Communist Party trying to undermine the American economy,” Schumer said.

“We have to break the cycle of supple chain shocks that are raising prices, invest in American industry, and protect our national security,” he added.

The bill was introduced by Schumer along with Democratic Sens. Jack Reed, Amy Klobuchar, Chris Coons, Brian Schatz, Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren, Chris Van Hollen, Tammy Duckworth, Mark Kelly, Andy Kim, Lisa Blunt Rochester and Angela Alsobrooks.

Under the legislation, EXIM would be authorized to support the development, commercialization, production and future export of technologies deemed critical to U.S. competitiveness and national security. The bill would create a permanent Make More in America Program focused on expanding manufacturing capacity across the country.

Priority industries would include semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, biotechnology, advanced energy systems, critical minerals, drones, robotics and shipbuilding.

“The United States has faced a manufacturing decline under the Trump Administration and we need to reverse that trend,” Reed said.

“We must bolster domestic supply chains, revive America’s manufacturing competitiveness, and get our manufacturing workforce growing again to ensure America is capable of responding to global threats and builds critical technologies here at home.”

Democrats backing the bill cited China’s growing industrial dominance and U.S. dependence on overseas suppliers for strategically important goods. The bill’s findings state that China accounts for a substantially larger share of global manufacturing output than the United States and continues to strengthen its position in advanced technologies.

Booker said the legislation is designed to help American workers compete in the global economy.

“By expanding the Export Import Bank’s core mandate, this legislation strengthens EXIM’s ability to support the industries that are essential to our national security and economic leadership from semiconductors to advanced manufacturing,” Booker said.

The proposal would allow federal support for building or expanding manufacturing facilities in the United States and would require recipients to show benefits for American workers. Projects would need to include commitments related to workforce training and education, while construction work would be subject to prevailing wage requirements.

The legislation also includes safeguards intended to protect taxpayer funds. Assistance could not be used for stock buybacks or repayment of existing debt, and projects that fail to meet agreed deadlines or labor requirements could face clawbacks.

Senior executive branch officials, members of Congress and their immediate family members would also be barred from receiving support under the program. (Source: IANS)

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Slowing Growth Coupled with Rising Costs, U.S. Manufacturing Faces Dual Pressures

U.S. manufacturing output stalled for the first time this year in May. Data released by the Federal Reserve on Monday showed that U.S. manufacturing output in May was flat month-over-month, ending the previous four-month consecutive growth trend and falling below market expectations. The data showed that factory output in May was essentially unchanged from the previous month, while the April figure was revised upward to a 0.7% increase. Economists had generally expected manufacturing output to grow by 0.3% in May. Total U.S. industrial output, which includes manufacturing, utilities, and mining, rose by only 0.1%.

Cost Pressures Erode Production Willingness

Market participants pointed out that this official data presents a certain contrast with the results of several recent manufacturing surveys. Previous surveys had shown that the manufacturing sector as a whole continued to expand, driven by war-induced stockpiling demand, growth in defense orders, and the boom in AI data center construction. However, the latest data indicate that cost pressures are gradually eroding enterprises’ willingness to produce. Data released last week showed that the U.S. Producer Price Index (PPI) in May recorded its fastest year-over-year growth since 2022. Even excluding the automotive and parts industry, manufacturing output still failed to register growth.

Notable Sectoral Divergence

From the perspective of industry structure, durable goods manufacturing continued to grow, with sectors such as computers and electronics, electrical equipment, metal products, machinery, and basic metals all expanding, benefiting from the AI data center construction boom and capital expenditure growth brought about by the reshoring of manufacturing. However, non-durable goods manufacturing declined, with output in petroleum and coal products, plastic and rubber products, and textiles all retreating. Economist Stuart Paul stated that data center construction and some manufacturing reshoring plans are still supporting durable goods growth, but this does not mean that the United States is experiencing a comprehensive manufacturing renaissance.

Supply Chain Issues and Bright Spots Coexist

Supply chain issues persist, with key raw materials such as memory chips and plastic resins still in tight supply. On the other hand, output of defense and aerospace equipment grew for the sixth consecutive month, reaching its highest level since December 2019, with demand for ammunition inventory replenishment during wartime and expectations for military exports serving as important supports. Mining output rose by 1.3%, becoming a significant pillar of industrial growth, while utility output declined. The New York Fed’s manufacturing survey released on the same day showed that activity expanded only slightly in June, with an indicator reflecting expectations for future selling prices rising to its highest level since 2022. Analysts believe that U.S. manufacturing is currently facing a situation of slowing growth accompanied by rising costs.

Consumer Products and Services
Financial Service
Mining
Utilities

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