Manufacturers Reported Challenges With U.S. Reshoring in 2026

A survey of 249 manufacturers identified labor shortages and policy uncertainty as significant barriers to reshoring.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Manufacturing

Isometric editorial illustration of a shipping container on a concrete dock next to a steel beam, symbolizing industrial manufacturing challenges. — A 2026 industry survey of 249 manufacturers identified labor shortages and policy instability as primary barriers to the ongoing reshoring of production to the United States. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The 2026 USA Reshoring Survey revealed that 36% of OEMs were actively reshoring operations, while 66% of respondents struggled to hire technicians. These findings underscore the complex landscape companies face while trying to move production back to the United States.

Why it matters

Manufacturers are seeking to reduce their reliance on imports from China and Taiwan by prioritizing total cost of ownership and logistics savings. However, the need for stable policy and a skilled workforce remains a critical hurdle for firms looking to commit capital to domestic supply chains.

The survey polled 249 manufacturers, with 32% of contract manufacturers quoting new reshoring projects. Additionally, 63% of OEMs reported plans for U.S. capital expenditures in 2026 or 2027.

The players

USA Reshoring Survey

This annual assessment captures the shifting trends and operational hurdles faced by domestic manufacturers.

The details

Companies are reevaluating their global footprints to mitigate geopolitical risks and benefit from domestic logistics cost reductions. Despite this shift, contract manufacturers report that 94% of orders are still being lost to price, highlighting the tension between reshoring goals and immediate overhead costs.

In 2025, 29 percent of OEMs successfully reshored their production.
During 2026, 249 manufacturers provided data for the reshoring survey.
OEMs scheduled U.S. capital expenditures for expansion in 2026 or 2027.

Market Landscape

This data reflects the ongoing movement to decouple supply chains from China and Taiwan to reduce dependency on foreign imports. The survey highlights how competitive price pressures continue to shape the broader industrial trend toward domestic investment.

Persistent labor shortages and high production costs may lead to higher consumer prices as companies struggle to absorb domestic expenses. Shoppers should expect that supply chain changes will continue to influence product availability and pricing strategies for the foreseeable future.

The takeaway

The move toward domestic production is gaining momentum but remains tethered to the availability of a skilled technical workforce. Businesses and policymakers must reconcile these labor realities to maintain the long-term viability of U.S.-based supply chains.