By the numbers: 2025 manufacturing trends

Core Insights - The manufacturing sector is experiencing significant challenges due to tariffs and trade uncertainties, with experts urging companies to avoid hasty decisions regarding relocation and supplier relationships [1][12] - Major firms like TSMC and Nvidia are making substantial investments in the U.S., but skepticism remains about the overall impact on domestic manufacturing revitalization [1] - The U.S. Congress estimates a potential 13% annual decline in manufacturing investments by 2029 due to prolonged trade uncertainties [2] Tariffs and Economic Impact - A significant percentage of manufacturers plan to pass on tariff-related cost increases to consumers, with 54% indicating they will pass on some costs or absorb them through reduced margins [3] - President Trump's tariffs could generate approximately $1 trillion in revenue over the next decade, translating to an average tax increase of $1,100 per U.S. household in 2025 [4] Manufacturing Trends - In 2025, 18% of manufacturers are actively considering shifting production back to the U.S. within six months, while another 18% are looking to do so but require more time [10] - Kearney's Reshoring Index fell by 311 points in 2025, indicating a gap between intentions to reshore and the reality of implementation [11] M&A and Investments - Industrial deal volume saw an 11.4% year-over-year decline from Q2 2025 to Q2 2024, attributed to tariffs affecting M&A activity [16] - TSMC plans to invest $100 billion in the U.S., with Apple also committing $100 million to domestic investments [18] Workforce Dynamics - The U.S. manufacturing sector employed approximately 76,000 fewer people in November 2025 compared to the previous year, with 329,000 job separations reported in October [23][24] - The unemployment rate in manufacturing stands at 3.3%, lower than the national average, with 3.6 million women employed in the sector [24][25] Automation and Technology - 80% of manufacturing executives plan to invest over 20% of their improvement budgets into smart manufacturing initiatives, viewing it as a key driver of competitiveness [29] - The global installation of industrial robots reached 542,000 units in 2024, with the U.S. accounting for 34,200 units, reflecting a 9% decline from the previous year [30] Federal Policy and Regulation - The Trump administration has taken 43 actions to modify or roll back various EPA regulations, impacting the manufacturing sector [35] - The EPA estimates potential cost savings of $786 million for manufacturers from modifying reporting requirements under the Toxic Substances Control Act [37]