Trade policy discussions often focus on numbers and market dynamics, but there's a deeper story unfolding in U.S. manufacturing – one that interweaves economic impact with workforce challenges. On the business side, tariff changes create complex trade-offs. While they can protect certain sectors and encourage domestic production, they also increase input costs throughout supply chains. Small and medium-sized manufacturers, operating on tight margins, must carefully navigate these shifting cost structures.
But beyond the balance sheets, there's a crucial human capital affect that needs attention. As manufacturers adapt their operations in response to trade policies, the workforce needs evolve rapidly. In discussions with our clients and network, we are seeing:
