America's Manufacturing Strategy and What It Means for the Global Economy
Image: Xinhua
Over the past year, the United States (US) has accelerated efforts to reshore manufacturing, with former President Donald Trump at the forefront of a renewed drive to 'bring American industry home.' A wave of corporate investment, led by tech giants like Apple, Nvidia, Micron, and IBM, is shifting the global manufacturing map. Trump's latest announcement, alongside Apple CEO Tim Cook, revealed a historic $600 billion investment from Apple alone, focused on expanding American-based factories, rare earth recycling, chip fabrication, and data centres.
America Brings Manufacturing Home
This marks a major turning point in global supply chains. From Kentucky's smartphone glass plants to AI server hubs in Texas and rare earth facilities in California, the US is doubling down on high-tech and high-value manufacturing. The incentives include favourable tax legislation, fast-track construction approvals, and tariff waivers for companies building on US soil.
A key policy shift is the proposed 100% tariff on imported chips and semiconductors, exempting only companies actively building production capacity in the US. The move, combined with secondary sanctions on nations purchasing Russian oil, signals a broader strategy to realign global trade and industry flows around American interests.
This reshoring push signals trouble for traditional manufacturing hubs in East Asia, where lower labour costs once dominated decision-making. As US capital, jobs, and technology return home, countries like China, Taiwan, and Vietnam may face downward pressure on exports and foreign investment.
Global Supply Chain Implications Real or None?
The implications of the US' return to domestic manufacturing, underpinned by policy and security, are increasingly reshaping the global industrial landscape. 'Made in America' is no longer a nostalgic slogan; it is fast becoming a strategic imperative. However, reviving old-school manufacturing thinking in today's high-tech, globally integrated world is proving far from straightforward.
While political rhetoric may champion a renaissance in domestic industry, the complexity of modern supply chains makes it difficult to simply 'reshore' production at scale. Advanced manufacturing today depends not just on factories and labour, but on access to globalised inputs: rare earth materials, high-tech semiconductors, specialised components, and digital integration. For instance, a single smartphone can involve over 200 suppliers across 40 countries. Apple's supply network spans Asia, Europe, and North America, highlighting how even with $600 billion in planned US investment, re-engineering entire ecosystems is a long-term and uneven process.
Technological Interconnectedness
Technological interdependence complicates reshoring efforts. Semiconductor fabrication, for example, is a prime target for American industrial policy, with companies like TSMC and Intel investing billions in US plants. Yet, building domestic chip capacity to meet even 70% of local demand would require over $350 billion and at least a decade. Similarly, retraining the workforce for AI-enabled manufacturing environments presents structural challenges. In the US alone, over 2.1 million manufacturing jobs are projected to go unfilled by 2030 due to a skills mismatch.
For emerging markets, the consequences are equally complex. Many have developed export-led growth strategies by serving as manufacturing hubs for Western brands. As the US and others decouple from China or reduce dependency on foreign suppliers, countries like Vietnam, Mexico, and India may benefit from supply chain diversification, but only if they can meet new standards around cybersecurity, intellectual property, and sustainability.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Maverick
2 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
Mama Shelter Residences Cape Town, New Branded Residences Rising in the City Centre
Located on Bree Street – named one of the world's coolest streets by Time Out in 2024 – Mama Shelter Residences Cape Town features 62 fully serviced studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences, alongside a vibrant 127-key hotel, all under one iconic roof. This launch marks Mama Shelter's first residential and hotel offering in South Africa. The Mama Shelter brand was born in 2008, when the Trigano family (co-founders of Club Med) opened the first hotel in Paris' vibrant east, giving birth to a fresh way of hosting modern travelers. It combined design-led interiors with lively restaurant and bar spaces, knowledgeable staff and the care that only your Mama could provide – all with an affordable price tag. Since then, the brand has become a dynamic market leader in partnership with Ennismore – the world's largest and fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality company. The residences are part of a landmark mixed-use redevelopment at 111 Bree Street, led by Kasada – a pan-African real estate private equity firm focused on hospitality – in partnership with Western Cape-based property and development company, Ingenuity. Sales are managed locally by Pam Golding Properties and globally by Savills. Here's the Lowdown: 62 Residences For Sale 111 Bree Street, Cape Town Selection of Studio, 1, 2 and Grand Mama 3 Bedrooms Prices range from R3,025 to R23,4 million Sales launch online on 27 August 2025 at 1pm Estimated completion scheduled for Q3 2026 It's all happening at Mama's As far as amenities go, Mama's got it all, and then some. From Italian bites at Il Bambini Club to all-day rooftop dining with skyline views, this is a place made for indulgence, inspiration and connection. Dip into the rooftop pool, work from stylish co-working spaces or kick back on your private terrace. With three restaurants, a fitness centre, meeting rooms, concierge service and secure parking with direct lift access, everything you need and everything you love is right here, under one very playful roof. Mama's always at your service At Mama Shelter Residences Cape Town, we offer on-demand services that turn everyday living into a haven of warmth and welcome. From Essential* Services to Mama Magic, Mama redefines residential life with a touch of playfulness, creativity and boldness. Mama looks after everyone like family. Mama Essentials* (Included in your service charge) 24/7 concierge team High-speed WiFi in common areas Manned reception desk, day and night Doormen and valet service On-site security Owner support services General admin and management Building-wide property insurance Annual membership to the Accor Ownership Benefits Program Mama Cares (Additional charge) Chauffeur/private transportation In-residence housekeeping Laundry and dry-cleaning Nanny services Pet pampering by Mama Co-working space bookings* * This is an à la carte service, but as a resident you always get priority – just ask your concierge. Mama Magic (Additional charge) Mama party planner Mama's home chef experience Graphic design logo services Tattoo artist on-demand Your own personalised Mama playlist Yoga & pilates instructor sessions Mama's seasonal/holiday home decor Live music & artist bookings *Service Included in the service charge assessed to the homeowners annually A Word from our Experts Dr Andrew Golding, chief executive of Pam Golding Properties, says: 'The unique appeal of prestigious branded residences is growing globally as property purchasers recognise the benefits of buying into a luxury lifestyle backed by a strong global brand. This offers the potential for sound return on investment, coupled with the advantage of having a reputable hotel group oversee their investments in their absence.' Why Mama Mama has spread her wings all over the world, with hotels and residences in Dubai, France, Italy, Portugal, Singapore, the UK, the USA, and more on the way. Mama Shelter Residences Cape Town follows closely after the brand's new residences in Dubai and marks its first venture into sub-Saharan Africa. With eclectic, culture-blending architectural design and world-class hospitality, Mama is bringing the party to Cape Town. Go Mama. Buyers of residences receive Gold Status in the Accor Ownership Benefits Program, which offers VIP privileges and benefits at up to 5,700 hotels and resorts worldwide. …but wait, there's more! Mama's not just about good vibes and great views. She's smart with the numbers too. Located in Cape Town's Urban Development Zone (UDZ), Mama Shelter Residences may qualify for generous tax perks from both UDZ and Section 13sex allowances (where applicable and subject to the fine print, of course). Ready, Set, Click – Mama's Going Live Mama Shelter Residences is launching online. No queues. No stress. Just pure digital ease. From your sofa, your office or your favourite wine bar, you can secure your slice of Mama magic with the click of a button. It's first-come, first-served, so bring your A-game and your R10,000 reservation fee to lock in your dream residence. Sales go live at 1PM CAT (Central Africa Time) sharp on Wednesday, 27 August 2025. And word is, buyers are already circling. Here's how to be launch-day ready: Create your secure buyer profile Unlock a R100,000 launch discount Shortlist your faves Mama says: don't wait. Be early. Be ready. Be quick. For more information, visit Mama Shelter Residences. DM

IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Zambia warns US visa bond will cause financial 'strain'
Zambia on Friday expressed "serious concern" at a new US measure requiring its nationals to post a bond of up to $15,000 to travel to the United States on business or tourist visas. The measure announced Tuesday, which also applies to nationals of Malawi, takes effect on August 20 as part of a one-year pilot project aimed at reducing visa overstays in the United States, where President Donald Trump's administration is cracking down on immigration. "The Zambian government views this development with serious concern, given its potential economic implications on trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people exchanges," foreign minister Mulambo Haimbe said in a statement.


The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
Mama Shelter Residences Cape Town: New branded residences rising in the City Centre
Located on Bree Street – named one of the world's coolest streets by Time Out in 2024 – Mama Shelter Residences Cape Town features 62 fully serviced studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences, alongside a vibrant 127-key hotel, all under one iconic roof. This launch marks Mama Shelter's first residential and hotel offering in South Africa. The Mama Shelter brand was born in 2008, when the Trigano family (co-founders of Club Med) opened the first hotel in Paris' vibrant east, giving birth to a fresh way of hosting modern travellers. It combined design-led interiors with lively restaurant and bar spaces, knowledgeable staff and the care that only your Mama could provide – all with an affordable price tag. Since then, the brand has become a dynamic market leader in partnership with Ennismore – the world's largest and fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality company. Grand Mama 3 bedroom living room. The residences are part of a landmark mixed-use redevelopment at 111 Bree Street, led by Kasada – a pan-African real estate private equity firm focused on hospitality – in partnership with Western Cape-based property and development company, Ingenuity. Sales are managed locally by Pam Golding Properties and globally by Savills. Here's the Lowdown: 62 Residences For Sale 111 Bree Street, Cape Town Selection of Studio, 1, 2 and Grand Mama 3 Bedrooms Prices range from R3,025 to R23,4 million Sales launch online on 27 August 2025 at 1 pm Estimated completion scheduled for Q3 2026 As far as amenities go, Mama's got it all, and then some. From Italian bites at Il Bambini Club to all-day rooftop dining with skyline views, this is a place made for indulgence, inspiration and connection. Dip into the rooftop pool, work from stylish co-working spaces or kick back on your private terrace. With three restaurants, a fitness centre, meeting rooms, concierge service and secure parking with direct lift access, everything you need and everything you love is right here, under one very playful roof. Rooftop pool and deck. At Mama Shelter Residences Cape Town, we offer on-demand services that turn everyday living into a haven of warmth and welcome. From Essential* Services to Mama Magic, Mama redefines residential life with a touch of playfulness, creativity and boldness. Mama looks after everyone like family. Mama Essentials* (Included in your service charge) 24/7 concierge team High-speed WiFi in common areas Manned reception desk, day and night Doormen and valet service On-site security Owner support services General admin and management Building-wide property insurance Annual membership to the Accor Ownership Benefits Program Mama Cares (Additional charge) Chauffeur/private transportation In-residence housekeeping Laundry and dry-cleaning Nanny services Pet pampering by Mama Co-working space bookings* * This is an à la carte service, but as a resident, you always get priority – just ask your concierge. Mama Magic (Additional charge) Mama party planner Mama's home chef experience Graphic design logo services Tattoo artist on-demand Your own personalised Mama playlist Yoga & pilates instructor sessions Mama's seasonal/holiday home decor Live music & artist bookings *Service Included in the service charge assessed to the homeowners annually Located at 111 Bree Street, Cape Town. Dr Andrew Golding, chief executive of Pam Golding Properties, says: 'The unique appeal of prestigious branded residences is growing globally as property purchasers recognise the benefits of buying into a luxury lifestyle backed by a strong global brand. This offers the potential for sound return on investment, coupled with the advantage of having a reputable hotel group oversee their investments in their absence.' 17th Floor rooftop restaurant and bar. Mama has spread her wings all over the world, with hotels and residences in Dubai, France, Italy, Portugal, Singapore, the UK, the USA, and more on the way. Mama Shelter Residences Cape Town follows closely after the brand's new residences in Dubai and marks its first venture into sub-Saharan Africa. With eclectic, culture-blending architectural design and world-class hospitality, Mama is bringing the party to Cape Town. Go Mama. Buyers of residences receive Gold Status in the Accor Ownership Benefits Program, which offers VIP privileges and benefits at up to 5,700 hotels and resorts worldwide. Mama Shelter Residences Cape Town offers studios, 1, 2 and Grand Mama 3 bedroom residences for sale. Mama's not just about good vibes and great views. She's smart with the numbers too. Located in Cape Town's Urban Development Zone (UDZ), Mama Shelter Residences may qualify for generous tax perks from both UDZ and Section 13sex allowances (where applicable and subject to the fine print, of course). Mama Shelter Residences is launching online. No queues. No stress. Just pure digital ease. From your sofa, your office or your favourite wine bar, you can secure your slice of Mama magic with the click of a button. It's first-come, first-served, so bring your A-game and your R10,000 reservation fee to lock in your dream residence. Sales go live at 1 PM CAT (Central Africa Time) sharp on Wednesday, 27 August 2025. And word is, buyers are already circling. Here's how to be launch-day ready:✔️ Create your secure buyer profile✔️ Unlock a R100,000 launch discount ✔️ Shortlist your faves