U.S. Manufacturingin Transition:Policy, Dynamics and trends in themanufacturing environment and Tableof Contents Experts Consulted in this ReportIntroductionTrade and Fiscal Policies Shaping U.S. Manufacturing CompetitivenessTax RegulationsTrade and TariffsReshoring IncentivesInflation and Rate EnvironmentTwo Wild Cards to NoteAdapting to Heightened Consumer ExpectationsThe Operational Impacts Ahead: Supply Chain, Finance and Workforce ChallengesTo Reshore or Not to Reshore? An Important QuestionAdapting to Supply Chain Disruption for Improved ResilienceThe Labor QuestionSmart Capital Management: Offering Financial Agility in a Tight MarketAccelerating Digital Adoption and Strengthening Cyber Resiliencein U.S. ManufacturingThe Rise of ERPs and Centralized AnalyticsAI and AutomationA Note of Caution: Security and GovernancePositioning for Sustainable, Data-Driven Growth in 2026 and Beyond: Core TakeawaysA 2026 Roadmap to Create a Clear Path ForwardHow Frazier & Deeter Integrated Advisory Support Furthers This RoadmapConclusion3567899101113131617181920222324252627 Experts Consultedin this Report Matthew Foster Partner, Frazier & Deeter Advisory, LLC Member of FD’s Tax Practice and Partner at Frazier & Deeter Advisory,LLC, with nearly 20 years in public accounting, specializing in tax strategyand structuring for M&A, joint ventures, ESOPs and reorganizations.Works with middle-market and private equity–backed companies across Kelli Gillis Partner, Frazier & Deeter Advisory, LLC and Partner, Frazier & Deeter, LLC Member of FD’s Advisory Practice with nearly 20 years of experiencein public accounting, with a specialization in SOX, internal controls,compliance, risk mitigation, and process improvement. Provides clientswith holistic and practical approaches, emphasizing technology, financialand non-financial reporting, and overall enterprise risk aligned with strategic Clay HuffmanPartner, Frazier & Deeter Advisory, LLC and Partner, Frazier & Deeter, LLC Member of FD’s Assurance Practice with nearly 20 years in publicaccounting, specializing in financial statement audits and reviews, servingmiddle-market and sponsor-backed companies across manufacturing &distribution, construction, retail & consumer goods, and business services. We would also like to thank these manufacturing leaders, who provided additional insight: Dee Barnes CEO and President CEO and President of Evans Tool & Die/Evans Metal Stamping since 2011,and third-generation family leader with 30+ years in the company. Deedrives the firm’s “Made in the USA” commitment, and continues its legacy Jaime HoweChief Operating Officer Chief Operating Officer for Greenco Manufacturing Corporation, Tri-MotionIndustries and Load Halt, overseeing finances across all entities. Managesthe P&L for Greenco’s rod and rodless cylinder line and its sister businesses, Introduction 2025 brought stability to U.S. manufacturingbut not simplicity. Trade volatility, laborshortages, rising costs and acceleratingcustomer and technology demands are This report is structured around four coreforces shaping U.S. manufacturing in 2026: •Shifts in trade and fiscal policy,•Evolving customer and market Each subsequent section explores theseforces and the actions manufacturers should To navigate 2026 and beyond, manufacturersneed capital discipline and system andprocess maturity fit to navigate regulatorypressure and enhance competitiveness.Leaders should prioritize tight operations,strong financial and risk resilience and building The environment is complex, but the pathforward doesn’t have to be. In the following,Frazier & Deeter will bring clarity to this Trade and Fiscal Policies Shaping U.S. Manufacturing their top concern, with input costs expectedto rise by 5.4% in the coming year.1While thesepolicy shifts aim to create the stability neededto offset rising costs, there is inevitably a Under the current administration, we have seenmajor trade policy shifts, with a focus on U.S.manufacturing competitiveness on the global For businesses in direct competition withforeign companies, protectionist policies are anet benefit. As Dee Barnes, CEO and Presidentat Evans Tool & Die, observed, “It will becritical that United States-made products areprioritized at the national level to rebuild supply First, we examine the macro-level changesmost impacting manufacturing. In an increasingly globalized market, however,those reliant on international suppliers faceboth supply chain disruption and potentialprice increases. Also, assimilating and In response to the National Association ofManufacturers’ Q3 Outlook Survey, 78% of 1 https://nam.org/wp-content/uploads/securepdfs/2025/09/NAM_Q3_2025_Outlook_Write_Up.pdf Tax Regulations While the many moving parts of H.R.1,sometimes called the “One Big Beautiful BillAct,” can be intimidating, Matthew Foster, TaxPartner at Frazier & Deeter Advisory, LLC, pointsout that many of the provisions simply solidify bonus depreciation