Tariffs on Canadian goods could reshape races in five battleground states

Trump’s escalating trade war with Canada could raise costs for businesses and consumers in key battleground states before voters head to the polls.

President Donald Trump’s escalating trade war with Canada is raising fresh concerns in battleground states ahead of the November midterms.

The U.S. and Canada have imposed tariffs on billions of dollars’ worth of goods, while Washington has also banned nearly $1 billion in Canadian imports, including alcohol, dairy products and motorcycles.

The latest measures took effect Sept. 29 as negotiations remain unresolved.

Trump says the tariffs will bring manufacturing back to the United States and protect American industries. But businesses could cut production, consumers could face higher prices and manufacturers could delay investments.

A FRESH MIDTERM HEADACHE FOR THE GOP JUST HIT A NATIONAL RECORD

The trade fight has escalated under Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, with negotiations breaking down and both countries imposing new measures targeting each other’s goods. (Getty Images)

“The cost of living, cost of goods, cost of doing business is such an important factor for Americans who are going to be casting a ballot,” David Clement, policy director of the Consumer Choice Center, told Fox News Digital.

Clement identified Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin as among the states most exposed to Canadian retaliation because of their manufacturing, agricultural and cross-border supply chains.

“American manufacturers or American businesses who rely on Canadian inputs are going to start to feel the pain right in the lead up to going to the ballot box,” he said.

The trade fight has escalated since Canada’s retaliatory tariffs took effect in September. At a recent G20 trade ministers meeting, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer acknowledged that key issues remain unresolved.

Ohio

Ohio is among the states most vulnerable to Canadian retaliation, with roughly $2.3 billion in exports exposed, according to Clement.

The state’s machinery, transportation, minerals and metals industries depend heavily on Canadian buyers and cross-border supply chains. Tariffs could make Ohio goods more expensive and reduce demand for products made by the state’s manufacturers.

Michigan

Michigan’s auto industry faces heightened uncertainty as tariffs threaten the deeply integrated supply chain connecting the state with Canada. (Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg/Getty Images)

Michigan may face the clearest risk because of its deeply integrated auto industry and close ties to neighboring Ontario.

Auto parts can cross the U.S.-Canada border multiple times before a vehicle is completed, meaning tariffs can increase costs at each stage of production.

A MUST-WIN MIDTERM STATE IS THE REAL LOSER OF TRUMP’S CANADA TRADE WAR

“Most Americans don’t know that a single component on a U.S.-assembled vehicle can cross the border upwards of eight times before it’s actually completed,” Clement said.

The stakes could rise further if the administration moves ahead with a possible 50% tariff on Canadian auto exports beginning Jan. 1 if the countries fail to reach an agreement.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania could have just under $1.8 billion in exports exposed, including machinery and equipment, according to Clement.

The state’s manufacturers depend on Canada as a major customer, while many also rely on Canadian inputs. That creates a double burden if tariffs make materials more expensive and finished products harder to sell.

Illinois

President Donald Trump has defended the tariffs as a way to protect American industries and bring manufacturing back to the United States. (Getty Images)

Illinois faces exposure across manufacturing, agriculture and transportation.

Its businesses sell machinery, food products and chemicals to Canada, while companies across the Midwest rely on Canadian materials and components. Tariffs could make those exports less competitive and eventually push higher production costs onto consumers.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s economy is closely linked to Canada through agriculture, manufacturing and food production.

The state exports dairy products, machinery and agricultural equipment. Canadian tariffs could make those goods more expensive and give Canadian buyers an incentive to seek alternatives.

Wisconsin farmers and manufacturers are particularly vulnerable because many operate on narrow margins and depend on predictable access to Canadian customers.

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Even if Democrats make gains in November, Clement said a change in congressional control would not necessarily end the tariffs because presidents have broad authority over trade policy.

But as the dispute continues, its impact on prices, jobs and businesses could become a decisive issue in the states that determine control of Congress.

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Japan’s impact on Mississippi takes center stage with 18,000 jobs

Oct. 3, 2026, 4:59 a.m. CT

• A roundtable discussion at Millsaps College examined the future of U.S.-Japan relations and its economic impact on Mississippi.
• Japan is one of Mississippi’s most significant international economic partners, with major investments in the state’s automotive industry.
• Panelists highlighted that shared values of economic prosperity and security have sustained the strong alliance between the two nations.
• The automotive sector, heavily supported by Japanese companies, employs over 18,000 Mississippians and generates billions in economic activity.

The relationship between the United States, in particular Mississippi, and Japan remains one of the world’s most important international partnerships.

That was the message as more than 100 business leaders, educators, economic developers, students and community members gathered at Millsaps College on Sept. 29 for a roundtable discussion examining the future of U.S.-Japan relations and the role those ties continue to play in Mississippi’s economy.

The event, “Partners in Progress: The Present & Future of Japan-U.S. Relations,“ was hosted by Millsaps in partnership with the Consulate General of Japan in Nashville and the Japan-America Society of Mississippi. The discussion was held in McMullan Lecture Hall and was followed by a cultural performance.

Panelists included Shinji Watanabe, consul general of Japan in Nashville; Regina Todd, assistant director of the Rankin First Economic Development Authority; Satoshi Matsumoto, senior director at Nissan North America; Tomoki Sato, production project vice president at Toyota Mississippi; Skip Skaggs, president of the Mississippi Automotive Manufacturers Association; and Millsaps College President Frank Neville.

Japan-U.S. partnership remains strong

Watanabe said the relationship between the United States and Japan remains one of the world’s most important international partnerships.

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“Our office covers five states, including Mississippi,” Watanabe said. “I had the opportunity to visit Mississippi from time to time, and it’s always a great pleasure to be here.”

Watanabe pointed to recent high-level discussions between Japanese and U.S. leaders as evidence of continued cooperation across economic, security and technology issues.

He said both countries are navigating a period of rapid change driven by artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and evolving global security concerns, making international partnerships increasingly important.

Japan has long been one of Mississippi’s most important international economic partners, with Japanese companies helping anchor the state’s manufacturing base and supporting thousands of jobs.

Major Japanese investments include Nissan North America’s assembly plant in Canton, which employs thousands of workers and produces vehicles for domestic and international markets; Toyota Mississippi’s Blue Springs facility, which manufactures the Corolla; and Yokohama Tire Manufacturing Mississippi in West Point, one of the largest tire plants in the nation. Hitachi Energy’s transformer manufacturing operations in Crystal Springs further underscore Japan’s long-standing investment and growing industrial presence in Mississippi.

Japanese suppliers and manufacturers are also part of Mississippi’s automotive supply chain, making Japan a key driver of the state’s manufacturing economy, export activity and workforce development efforts. Business leaders at the Millsaps forum noted that the relationship extends beyond trade, with decades of investment helping establish Mississippi as a major automotive manufacturing hub in the Southeast.

“The Japan-U.S. relationship is stronger than ever,” Watanabe said.

On the economic front, he noted that Japan has remained one of the largest foreign investors in the United States, with Japanese companies supporting nearly 1 million American jobs and continuing to expand investments in strategic industries.

Watanabe highlighted recent commitments aimed at increasing Japanese investment in sectors such as energy, infrastructure and critical materials.

“We are already seeing positive results from this relationship,” Watanabe said. “The strong Japan-U.S. relationship has stood the test of time.”

Shared values underpin alliance

Neville said the close relationship between the United States and Japan has endured since World War II because both nations share common goals centered on economic prosperity and stability.

“Since the postwar era, the United States and Japan have had a very close and lasting relationship because they share a couple of key values,” Neville said. “One is a desire for prosperity and investment that drives growth in both countries. There’s also a desire for regional and international security that helps protect and promote that prosperity.”

Those shared priorities have helped sustain the alliance through decades of political and economic change, Neville said.

At the same time, Neville argued that the world is entering a new era marked by uncertainty as longstanding geopolitical structures evolve.

“I think what we’re seeing right now in the world is the natural ending of the old order, and there’s a lot of uncertainty around what comes next,” Neville said.

Neville described the post-World War II international system as one in which the United States provided stability through security partnerships, freedom of navigation and a rules-based economic framework that encouraged trade and investment.

“The global order that has provided the context for that relationship is changing,” Neville said. “We have a very strong foundation for the relationship, but we’re now entering somewhat uncharted waters because the global order that has sustained it is evolving.”

Automotive industry’s impact highlighted

The discussion also focused on the significant role Japanese investment has played in Mississippi’s automotive sector.

Skaggs said the industry employs more than 18,000 Mississippians and generates an estimated $21 billion in annual economic activity.

“When you look at the automotive industry in Mississippi, you’re looking at more than 18,000 Mississippians working in the industry,” Skaggs said. “It’s about a $21 billion-a-year industry.”

Skaggs said automotive manufacturing produces one of the strongest economic multiplier effects of any industry in the state.

“For every automotive job, you’re creating multiple additional jobs,” Skaggs said. “That’s one of the highest multiplier factors for job creation.”

Skaggs said continued investments in workforce development and new technologies will be critical to maintaining Mississippi’s competitiveness in the global market.

“The important part is this industry continues investing in workforce growth and technology that allows us to do more and remain competitive,” Skaggs said.

Economic ties remain important for Mississippi

Throughout the discussion, panelists emphasized the importance of Japanese investment to Mississippi’s economy, particularly through the state’s automotive manufacturing sector and related supply chains.

Speakers discussed how changes in global trade, advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies are reshaping economic development strategies while creating new opportunities for collaboration between Mississippi and Japan.

Organizers said the forum was designed to strengthen cultural and economic ties while underscoring Japan’s continued importance as one of Mississippi’s key international business partners.

Ross Reily is a writer for the Clarion Ledger, part of the USA TODAY Network. He can be reached at rreily@gannett.com or 601-573-2952. You can follow him on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter @GreenOkra1.

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Inflation’s Next Wave? A Critical U.S. Manufacturing Gauge Just Surged 10% Higher

Factory purchasing managers just sent a signal that the last stretch of falling inflation may be coming to an end, and the reason behind it traces straight back to what consumers are doing with their wallets.

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Factory purchasing managers paid sharply more for materials in September. The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) reported that its Manufacturing Prices Paid Index rose from 71.1 to 77.9, a one-month gain of about 9.6% and the highest reading since May. A reading above 50 signals rising prices; near 78 indicates broad, accelerating increases.

It was also the index’s largest monthly increase since February. Since the start of the year, the index has gained 19.4 points, its third-biggest nine-month increase since 2021. That year is the right comparison. In 2021, factory input costs rose this quickly and reached store shelves within months.

Why Demand Is Driving Prices Higher Now

What stands out in September is the reason for the increase. Factories are busy. The ISM’s headline Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) came in at 54.5, its ninth consecutive month of expansion and its longest streak since 2022. New orders rose to 55.3. The backlog of unfilled orders jumped 4.6 points to 56.4, its second-highest level since May 2022.

Mark Vitner, chief economist at Piedmont Crescent Capital, named his review “The Order Book Reopened as Prices Snapped Back.” When orders arrive faster than plants can fill them, suppliers gain pricing power and manufacturers have less room to absorb increases.

Consumers are creating that demand. Retail sales hit a record $737.8 billion in August. That was 1.1% more than in July and 5.4% more than a year earlier. When shoppers keep spending at that pace, companies can pass along higher costs. Imports are rising quickly as well. In July, the trade deficit widened by $17.4 billion to $88.6 billion, which is outside its typical range of -$60B to -$80B.

What Higher Factory Costs Mean for Your Household Budget

Inflation was already running above target before this new pressure showed up. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 3.4% from a year earlier in August, including a 0.4% increase in that month alone. Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation, the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure, was 3.0%, compared with the central bank’s 2% target.

Higher producer costs typically reach consumers within months, first in goods made from metals, plastics, chemicals and packaging: appliances, auto parts, home improvement supplies and packaged food. Households should expect goods prices to rise through the holiday season and into early 2027.

The Fed is looking at the same data. Reuters reported that August inflation rose below expectations, giving the Fed breathing space. Bloomberg reported that Scott Bessent urged the Fed to keep an “open mind” on the inflation outlook. The September factory survey suggests that breathing space may not last. The CPI figures that pleased policymakers measure prices that were set before this jump in input costs.

Three Signals to Watch Before Year-End

Three readings will show whether September was a one-time jump or the start of a lasting rise in prices. The first is the ISM’s October report, due in early November. A second straight prices reading in the high 70s would confirm the pressure is staying. The second is the backlog index. If factories add capacity and work through their orders, their pricing power fades.

If backlogs keep growing, it strengthens. The third is goods prices in the next two CPI reports. If goods inflation speeds up while core PCE stays at 3.0%, the Fed loses the room August gave it. Borrowers hoping for lower rates would then face a longer wait.

Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.

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6K Additive Secures $27.4 Million EXIM Loan For U.S. Manufacturing Expansion

6K Additive has executed a final $27.4 million secured loan agreement with the Export-Import Bank of the United States to expand domestic manufacturing capacity for critical materials used in aerospace, defense, space, energy and advanced industrial applications.

The six-year facility is available for drawdown through June 30, 2028.

The financing includes an initial 12-month interest-only period followed by amortizing principal payments during the remaining five years.

The loan will carry a fixed Commercial Interest Reference Rate determined five business days before the first disbursement. The published rate cited in the announcement was 5.38%.

Up to $25.2 million of the facility will finance eligible project costs, while up to $2.2 million will finance an 8.9% EXIM exposure fee on disbursements.

6K estimated an all-in annual borrowing cost of approximately 6.86% based on then-current published rates. The facility also includes a 0.5% annual commitment fee on undrawn and uncanceled commitments during the drawdown period.

Proceeds are immediately available to reimburse 6K for equipment and infrastructure purchases related to expansion of its Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, manufacturing facility.

The expansion includes four new buildings and additional manufacturing equipment intended to increase production of nickel, titanium, tungsten, C-103 and other advanced metal powders.

The loan was approved through EXIM’s Make More in America Initiative in coordination with the U.S. Department of War’s Defense Production Act Title III initiative.

6K said the financing was initially approved by EXIM’s board in December 2025, subject to completion of final loan documentation.

KEY QUOTES:

“Finalizing this agreement with EXIM marks an important milestone for 6K Additive and reinforces the strategic importance of expanding domestic production of the critical materials essential to America’s defense and advanced manufacturing industries. This investment directly supports the Make More in America Initiative and provides 6K Additive with the funding required to execute our planned capacity expansion while preserving our existing capital to support continued growth. We greatly appreciate EXIM Chairman John Jovanovic’s leadership and support in bringing this agreement to completion.”

Frank Roberts, CEO of 6K Additive

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Bayer plans $2.2 billion U.S. manufacturing expansion

NEW ALBANY, Ohio — Bayer plans to invest $2.2 billion in a new pharmaceutical manufacturing site in New Albany, a project expected to create about 600 jobs and expand the company’s U.S. production capacity.

The new facility will be located in the New Albany International Business Park and is designed to manufacture medicines for patients in the United States and other markets. Bayer said the investment builds on more than $7 billion it has spent on U.S. pharmaceutical research and development and manufacturing over the past five years.

“Bayer has long seen the United States as a key manufacturing base and innovation hub. This landmark investment underscores our commitment,” said Bill Anderson, CEO of Bayer. “The new site will be home to manufacturing expertise and a skilled workforce that will strengthen our ability to deliver innovative, high-quality medicines to patients both in the United States and abroad.”

The flexible, modular campus will combine drug substance and drug product manufacturing and use digital and automation technologies. Production will initially support Bayer’s portfolio in oncology, cardiovascular and renal care.

The first module, focused on drug substance manufacturing, is expected to begin operations in 2031. A second module for drug product manufacturing is planned to follow in 2034.

“The United States is a key market for Bayer’s Pharmaceuticals division. This expansion is another important step to grow our pharmaceuticals business and to meet the demand of our customers and patients in the U.S., our fastest-growing pharmaceuticals market, and beyond,” said Sebastian Guth, global chief operating officer of Bayer Pharmaceuticals and president of Bayer U.S.

In addition to approximately 600 permanent jobs, Bayer expects the project to support roughly 1,500 construction jobs.

“The facility will be a strong strategic addition to our global Product Supply network. As we continue to invest in our existing manufacturing sites around the globe, our planned presence in Ohio will further enhance our ability to serve our markets with greater resilience and reliability,” said Holger Weintritt, head of Product Supply at Bayer’s Pharmaceuticals division.

The Ohio operation will complement Bayer’s U.S. pharmaceuticals headquarters in Whippany, N.J., and its existing locations in Pennsylvania, California, Massachusetts and North Carolina. Bayer also plans for the site to be part of a U.S.-based collaboration network connecting academic research with pharmaceutical manufacturing expertise.

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US to unveil measures against excess manufacturing in ‘weeks’: Nikkei report

SINGAPORE – US President Donald Trump’s administration will act soon, most probably with a harsh trade tariff, against trading partners allegedly producing more goods than they can consume domestically.

US Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer told Japanese news outlet Nikkei Asia: “If you’re a country that doesn’t take action to stop the effects of excess capacity… whether it’s in your country or coming from a third country, I’m not going to sit there and take it.”

“The United States is going to act,” he said in an interview on the sidelines of the G-20 (Group of Twenty) meeting in the US city of Milwaukee.

Greer said the US will announce countermeasures within “weeks” against overproduction that displaces existing US domestic production or prevents investment and expansion in the US manufacturing sector.

The USTR launched an investigation in March against 16 economies, including Singapore, under Section 301 of the Trade Act focused on alleged excess manufacturing capacity.

Other economies subject to the inquiry include some of the US’ largest trading partners: China, the European Union, Mexico, India, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

Switzerland, Norway, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam and Bangladesh are also part of the investigation.

A new tariff will add to the 12.5% levy Singapore became subject to in July following a USTR scrutiny into 60 US trading partners regarding their alleged failure to enforce prohibitions on imports made with forced labour.

Separately, US sectoral tariffs – with rates ranging from 25% to 50% – on steel, aluminium, copper and automotive parts also apply to some Singapore exports. The Republic may also face a possible US tariff on its semiconductor exports.

In the interview with Nikkei, Greer cited intense competition, or involution, in China’s electric vehicle market as an example of excess production that squeezes profit margins.

You can see “the Chinese on their own independently acknowledging to some degree that excess capacity exists”, Greer said. “They call the effects of it involution, but it’s rooted in excess capacity.”

Greer also referred to the G-20 meeting in Milwaukee, where trade officials from member countries announced an agreement to tackle the global steel glut, which many believe stems from state subsidies that encourage excess production of the refined metal.

In an earlier meeting of G-20 finance ministers and central bank governors in North Carolina’s Asheville in late August, 19 of the 20 members agreed to take action against non-market economic policies, excessive trade surpluses, and an over-reliance on cheap exports.

Greer said that at international forums like the G-20, China is “generally defensive about this because they know that they are part of the broader distortion”.

He also called out the policies of China’s neighbours including Japan and Vietnam, which have seen their exports to the US rise in recent years as shipments from China declined.

Vietnam has “no consumption”, Greer told Nikkei. Workers there “can’t buy the things they’re making, so they have to send them to us”.

“They need to increase their domestic demand” through measures including protection of worker rights and higher wages, he said.

Greer also suggested that Japan has its own overcapacity problem.

“They have zombie firms that should have been bankrupt long ago, but they just… keep them surviving, whether it’s Japan or other countries,” he said.

In its engagements with Trump administration officials, Singapore has denied that it enjoys a trade surplus with the US or that its exports to the world’s largest economy stem from any form of excess capacity.

In fact, the US has maintained a substantial trade surplus with Singapore for more than two decades. In 2025, that surplus exceeded US$33 billion (S$42 billion), according to the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Singapore, despite its small size, is the third-largest Asian investor in the US, behind Japan and South Korea. Bilateral trade and Singapore’s investments in the US support around 350,000 American jobs.

About 6,600 American companies are based in Singapore, while more than 250 Singapore companies operate across 45 US states, in sectors ranging from logistics and agribusiness to aerospace and shipbuilding.

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GMP Labeling Celebrates 40 Years of US Manufacturing for Regulated Industries

GRANITE BAY, Calif., Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors navigate evolving global supply chain risks, GMP Labeling Inc. is utilizing Manufacturing Day 2026 to highlight its nearly 40-year history as a domestic manufacturer of critical compliance identification. The company specializes in the foundational traceability components required for stringent regulatory environments. View the company’s core capabilities and full catalog.

Screenshot of GMP Labeling Quality Control Label template in Loftware Cloud Essentials.

While often viewed as minor components, labels for quality control, sample identification, and equipment status represent a potential vulnerability in highly regulated production lines. Material inconsistencies or shipping delays can interrupt manufacturing workflows, complicate federal audits, and compromise the integrity of quality records.

“In the highly regulated environments of biotechnology and medical manufacturing, a label is far more than a simple supply item,” said Robin Kalsbeek, General Manager of GMP Labeling. “It is a critical element of traceability and compliance.”

Strategic advantages for life sciences

For pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers, the company’s domestic production model supports specific operational requirements:

• Supply Chain Reliability: Stock quality control labels remain available for rapid dispatch to prevent production bottlenecks.
• Material Continuity: Revision-controlled development and lot segregation practices ensure material consistency, mitigating risk for long-term projects.
• Regulatory Qualification: The ISO 9001-certified quality management system is open for customer review, facilitating the documentation required for rigorous supplier evaluation programs.
• Environmental Performance: Specialized engineering enables label durability in demanding conditions, including cryogenic storage, autoclave cycles, and xylene exposure.

GMP Labeling has maintained its manufacturing footprint in the United States since its founding in 1987. The organization provides a stable alternative to international suppliers susceptible to logistics volatility.

This domestic focus ensures that biotech and medical device firms can maintain continuous compliance with safety standards through dedicated account management and technical expertise. The company’s catalog further extends to facility signs, barcode printers, and custom identification solutions designed for cleanroom-compatible applications.

GMP Labeling is a trusted provider of compliance-focused label solutions for medical device, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and other regulated manufacturing environments. GMP Labeling partners with leading technology and material suppliers to deliver durable, traceable, and customizable labeling systems that support quality, safety, and regulatory requirements. The company’s solutions include quality control labels, custom labels, asset tags, calibration and safety labels, thermal printers, ribbons, and software integration services.

SOURCE GMP Labeling Inc.

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US manufacturing index expands for ninth straight month, but price pressures surge in September

ANI |
Updated: Oct 01, 2026 20:17 IST

Washington [US], October 1 (ANI): US manufacturing activity remained in expansion territory for the ninth consecutive month in September, even as a sharp rise in prices pointed to growing cost pressures for manufacturers, according to the latest PMI data report from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM).
The ISM Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) is a monthly indicator that tracks activity in the US manufacturing sector. A reading above 50 per cent indicates that the sector is generally expanding, while a reading below 50 per cent indicates contraction.
The data highlighted that the Manufacturing PMI stood at 54.5 per cent in September, down slightly from 54.6 per cent in August. The overall US economy continued to expand for the 23rd consecutive month, according to ISM.
ISM said manufacturers’ comments reflected concerns over pricing volatility, tariffs and the Iran war. Pricing volatility was mentioned in 46 per cent of negative comments, while tariffs were cited in 34 per cent and the Iran war in 30 per cent.
Of the six largest manufacturing industries, five expanded in September — Computer & Electronic Products, Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products, Transportation Equipment, Machinery and Chemical Products.
The data showed that demand conditions improved during the month. The New Orders Index rose to 55.3 per cent from 53.7 per cent in August, marking its ninth consecutive month of expansion. The Backlog of Orders Index also increased to 56.4 per cent from 51.8 per cent.

However, the increase in prices was a key feature of the September data. The Prices Index jumped 6.8 percentage points to 77.9 per cent, from 71.1 per cent in August. ISM said the index returned to its level at the start of the Iran War.
“The Manufacturing PMI registered 54.5 per cent in September, 0.1 percentage point below the August figure of 54.6 per cent,” said Susan Spence, Chair of the ISM Manufacturing Business Survey Committee.
Production continued to expand but at a slower pace. The Production Index stood at 56.7 per cent, down from 58.3 per cent in August. Despite the slowdown, production has now expanded for the 11th consecutive month.
Employment also improved during September. The Employment Index rose to 52.7 per cent from 51.2 per cent in August, indicating continued expansion in manufacturing employment.
The data also showed pressure on inventories. The Inventories Index fell to 48.6 per cent from 50.6 per cent, moving back into contraction. 
Export orders continued to grow, although at a slower pace. The New Export Orders Index stood at 50.9 per cent, down from 53.2 per cent in August. The Imports Index also declined to 51 per cent from 52.5 per cent.
Overall, the September data showed that US manufacturing continued to expand, supported by stronger new orders and employment, while rising prices emerged as a key pressure point for the sector. (ANI)

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Piyush Goyal Arrives in Milwaukee for G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting, Engages US Manufacturing, Tech Leaders

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal arrived in Milwaukee, United States, today to attend the G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting and interacted with CEOs and senior executives of leading US manufacturing and technology companies at a business roundtable hosted by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM).

Goyal was received by Dr. M. Anand Prakash, Consul General of India in Chicago, upon his arrival.

NAM represents a substantial share of leading US manufacturing companies, which contribute significantly to the country’s manufacturing GDP of around $3 trillion, stated a press release by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

During the interaction, Goyal highlighted the expanding scope of the India-US economic relationship, saying it is moving beyond a traditional trade relationship to encompass investment, manufacturing, technology, innovation, resilient supply chains and the development of high-value capabilities in both countries.

The CEOs and senior executives shared their views on emerging opportunities in India and their perspectives on expanding partnerships in the country. Goyal said the Government of India remains committed to facilitating companies in their operations, expansion and investments in India.

Goyal also attended a reception hosted by the Business Roundtable (BRT) and NAM at the global headquarters of Rockwell Automation, where he interacted with Trade Ministers from other G20 countries and senior business leaders of US companies.

-PIB Inputs

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Asus won’t say how it escaped the US router ban

This spring, the United States banned all future foreign-made consumer routers — effectively all future routers — unless their makers could 1) convince the US government that they weren’t a national security threat, and 2) submit “a detailed, time-bound plan to establish or expand manufacturing in the United States.”

As of September 9th, Asus now has an exemption from the ban, just in time to bring its first early Wi-Fi 8 routers here. But Asus has not publicly announced any plan to bring manufacturing to the US. It would not even confirm to The Verge whether it had submitted a US manufacturing plan.

Initially, Asus spokesperson JJ Guerrero forwarded the following statement to The Verge: “ASUS has submitted the required plan to the FCC and is working with trusted manufacturing partners to support our future networking product portfolio in the U.S.”

But when we repeatedly asked Asus to clarify whether that meant it had submitted a plan to manufacture equipment in the United States — as opposed to equipment that’s just for the United States — the company did not answer. We’ve been waiting over 12 days without clarification.

The US router ban is not about security, despite the government’s claims. The FCC doesn’t ask companies a single question about security to get an exemption from the ban; it’s more about where routers are made. Nor is the FCC carefully testing which products are safe and which might have security holes — it has granted Asus a blanket exemption on all future routers through March 2028.

Few consumer products are made in the United States these days for all kinds of economic reasons. Even a copy of the board game Monopoly is now difficult to manufacture domestically. It wouldn’t be surprising if Asus wants to avoid building factories here.

But if the US router ban is not about US manufacturing, and it’s not about security, what is it actually about? Why did the Trump administration suddenly give Asus a blanket exemption, and why did it give Netgear a similar blanket exemption back in April?

The FCC did not respond to a request for comment then, and it has not responded to our fact-check request for this story. Perhaps it’s simply satisfied that these companies aren’t making them in China; both Asus and Netgear claim they’re manufacturing in countries that are considered US allies, and Netgear additionally says that “we no longer procure internet-connected components from manufacturers in China, or entities owned or controlled by China.”

Publicly, both Asus and Netgear are using the US government’s exemptions as marketing tools. In April, Netgear even emailed existing customers to share the news that Netgear is a “trusted consumer router company” now. Asus now claims it passed a “rigorous cybersecurity review” and is now certified as a “Trusted Networking Equipment Brand” and listed as a “Trusted Consumer Router Vendor,” as if those were official terms.

But search results for “Trusted Networking Equipment Brand” and “Trusted Consumer Router Vendor” only point back to Asus’s own claims — not the federal government.

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