Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast Nearshoring, USMCA, and the Future of North American Supply Chains (Production Pulse)
Jan 29, 2026
Mike Jackson, MEMA's strategy lead who tracks automotive supply chains and trade policy. He talks about 2025 supply volatility and tariff shocks. He covers nearshoring, the role of USMCA, and compliance simplification. He also outlines electrification uncertainty, EV credit shifts, and financial pressures on multi-tier suppliers.
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2025 Stabilized After Early Shock
- 2025 surprised suppliers by stabilizing around 15 million vehicle units despite major policy shocks.
- Clarity from trade agreements eased the earlier spike in uncertainty and helped markets recover.
Electrification Timelines Extended
- Rapid electrification plans encountered a roughly five-year delay in U.S. EV adoption.
- That delay created stranded capital and forced suppliers to reassess product roadmaps.
Sentiment Improving But Still Negative
- Supplier sentiment stayed negative for the 15th consecutive quarter, with the index at 44.
- Sentiment improved from a low of 29 as clarity increased through the year.