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Tag: manufacturing
July 23, 2025
Economy
News

Teamsters Chief Backs Trump Tariffs.

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❓WHAT HAPPENED: Teamsters union boss Sean O’Brien testified before Congress, discussing tariffs, trade agreements, and concerns about foreign truck drivers.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Sean O’Brien and members of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Tuesday, during a Senate Commerce Subcommittee hearing on Surface Transportation.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Take a little less in your own pocket, stop giving more to Wall Street, and just reward your workers and don’t pass this cost on the consumers.” – Sean O’Brien

🎯IMPACT: O’Brien’s testimony highlighted union concerns about tariffs, trade policies, and foreign drivers, sparking debate over worker protections and corporate responsibility.

IN FULL

During a recent congressional hearing, International Brotherhood of Teamsters President Sean O’Brien made clear where the union stands on President Donald J. Trump‘s tariffs and trade policy. He said it was “no secret” the union supports tariffs, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to protecting American workers and revitalizing domestic industry.

O’Brien pushed back on criticisms labeling him a “self-promoting union boss.” Instead, he described as “a truck driver from a middle-class family that appreciates and embraces the preservation of the middle class.”

Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) acknowledged O’Brien’s dedication to workers, saying he believes O’Brien’s advocacy for the middle class is sincere. O’Brien agreed, emphasizing his union’s efforts to secure better outcomes for American workers.

The Teamsters chief also sharply criticized the 1993 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), blaming it for the decline in U.S. manufacturing jobs. “Remember when we had plenty of industry in this country where we were producing goods and services. We were manufacturing steel. We were doing a lot of this work. And then these bad trade deals happened…” he said.

O’Brien expressed concern that corporate America would respond to new tariffs by pushing added costs onto consumers rather than reducing excessive executive compensation. “Take a little less in your own pocket, stop giving more to Wall Street, and just reward your workers and don’t pass this cost on the consumers,” he urged.

Another issue raised during the hearing was the growing use of foreign nationals in commercial driving roles, particularly individuals lacking English proficiency. “I think it’s extremely frightening, to be honest with you,” O’Brien said, referring to the safety risks posed by drivers who cannot read road signs or communicate effectively. He suggested a safer system would be for Mexican drivers to leave their trailers at the U.S. border, allowing American drivers to handle domestic transportation.

Image by Matt Michalski.

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July 16, 2025
Economy

Another Tariff Win as American Industrial Output Surges.

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❓WHAT HAPPENED: U.S. industrial production rose significantly more than expected in June, increasing by 0.3 percent month-over-month (MoM), surpassing the anticipated 0.1 percent MoM growth.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The U.S. manufacturing and industrial sectors.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The data reflects industrial activity for June 2025 across the United States.

🎯IMPACT: The data indicates a stronger-than-expected performance in industrial production, with manufacturing output also rising, as President Donald J. Trump’s tariffs—designed to protect American businesses and producers from unfair foreign competition—come into force.

IN FULL

United States industrial production for June increased by 0.3 percent month-over-month, exceeding the expected 0.1 percent growth. Additionally, May’s previously reported 0.2 percent decline was revised upward to unchanged.

Year-over-year, industrial production rose by 0.73 percent, reflecting a steady improvement in the sector’s performance. Manufacturing output also showed positive momentum in June, increasing by 0.1 percent compared to expectations of no growth. This lifted the year-over-year growth in manufacturing output to 0.8 percent. Capacity utilization saw a modest uptick in June, but continues to remain in a broader downtrend, signaling that certain challenges may persist within the industrial space.

The jump in industrial production follows a number of major American companies announcing they are reshoring significant swaths of their production capacity to the United States. In June, Micron Technology announced it would make a $200 billion investment to expand its American chip manufacturing operations. Meanwhile, General Motors (GM) announced plans to invest $4 billion in U.S. plants over the next two years, while also shifting production of two vehicle lines away from Mexico in response to President Trump’s tariff policies, which are designed to stop American jobs from flowing to comparatively low-wage, low-regulation economies, where tariff and non-tariff barriers against U.S. products are often far stiffer than vice versa.

The National Pulse reported earlier on Wednesday that the June Producer Price Index (PPI) data indicated that inflationary pressures remain subdued, with headline and core PPI both printing cooler than expected. Notably, the PPI data further undermines claims by critics of President Donald J. Trump’s tariffs, who claim that the trade duties would accelerate inflation—including embattled Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.

In addition, Trump’s tariffs have seen record trade duty revenues, while in May, the measures cut the U.S. trade deficit in half.

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May 23, 2025
News
TECH

Trump Tells Apple: Make iPhones in US or Face Tariffs.

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❓What Happened: President Donald J. Trump announced plans for a 25 percent tariff on iPhones manufactured outside the U.S.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump, Apple, Apple CEO Tim Cook.

📍 Where & When: U.S., Truth Social posts on Friday; Apple stock fell premarket Friday.

💬 Key Quote: “I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhones that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else.” – President Trump.

⚠️ Impact: Apple shares fell over three percent premarket.

IN FULL:

Apple stock dropped sharply in premarket trading Friday after President Donald J. Trump announced plans to impose a 25 percent tariff on iPhones not manufactured in the United States. Trump disclosed his intentions via a Truth Social post, emphasizing he had warned Apple CEO Tim Cook that he would have to reshore production to the U.S. some time ago.

“I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhones that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else,” Trump stated. “If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the U.S.”

President Trump previously exempted smartphones, laptops, and other common electronics primarily made abroad from tariffs. Still, he warned this relief would be temporary and that he expects multinationals to begin moving their production to the U.S. if they wish to have unfettered access to the U.S. market. Some major businesses, such as Nvidia, are answering the call, but the America First leader evidently believes Apple needs further encouragement.

The announcement caused Apple shares to fall 3.6 percent before the market opened. Broader financial markets also reacted, with S&P futures declining 1.5 percent and European markets experiencing a dip—although this is largely because the President also threatened the European Union with a 50 percent tariff starting June 1, due to its “powerful Trade Barriers, Vat Taxes, ridiculous Corporate Penalties, Non-Monetary Trade Barriers, Monetary Manipulations, unfair and unjustified lawsuits against Americans Companies” disadvantaging American exporters.

Apple has been working to reduce its reliance on China for manufacturing, but has faced challenges in diversifying production to other countries, including India, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Ireland. Analysts estimate nearly half of Apple’s revenue remains tied to China. The tech giant faced a significant market setback in April when Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs triggered a $300 billion sell-off.

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May 13, 2025
Economy

This Company Just Committed $1 Billion to U.S. Manufacturing Expansion, Adding 4,000 Jobs.

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❓What Happened: Carrier announced a $1 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing over five years, creating 4,000 jobs.

👥 Who’s Involved: Carrier, led by Chairman and CEO David Gitlin, and President Donald J. Trump.

📍 Where & When: Announced Tuesday, May 13, 2025, with investments across the U.S. manufacturing sector.

💬 Key Quote: “We are building for the future by creating high-quality, skilled trade careers and empowering American workers to lead the next generation of manufacturing,” said David Gitlin.

⚠️ Impact: The investment will expand facilities, build a new manufacturing site, and accelerate R&D in energy solutions, boosting U.S. manufacturing and innovation.

IN FULL:

Carrier, a global leader in climate control and energy solutions, revealed plans on Tuesday to invest $1 billion in U.S. manufacturing over the next five years, a move expected to create approximately 4,000 jobs. The company announced the initiative, which focuses on expanding manufacturing, innovation, and workforce development, in a press release.

The investment will include expanding current facilities and building a new advanced manufacturing site. These efforts will support the production of critical components for heat pumps and battery assemblies, both integral to Carrier’s Home Energy Management System (HEMS).

“This investment marks the next chapter in our commitment to U.S. manufacturing,” said Carrier’s Chairman and CEO David Gitlin. “We are building for the future by creating high-quality, skilled trade careers and empowering American workers to lead the next generation of manufacturing.”

The initiative will also drive research and development in next-generation technologies, including liquid cooling for data centers and battery-enabled energy and power solutions. These advancements will be spearheaded by Carrier Energy, an in-house startup focused on optimizing home energy use and enhancing grid flexibility.

Gitlin emphasized the broader implications of the investment, stating, “At the same time, it positions Carrier to capture the tremendous growth ahead in our industry and deliver smart, differentiated solutions for our customers.”

The announcement aligns with broader efforts to bolster U.S. manufacturing, with President Donald J. Trump enacting trade tariffs to protect domestic industry and American workers from foreign predation. The White House’s investment tracker highlights numerous major commitments, attributing them to trade and tax policies that encourage domestic production.

While the investment announcement is welcome news, Carrier made a similar pledge in December 2016 regarding an effort to save American jobs, but failed, in part, to uphold its end of the agreement.

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May 6, 2025
Economy
News

Trump Tariffs Boost U.S. Manufacturers.

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❓What Happened: U.S. tariffs have led to increased demand for American-made goods as companies bring production back to the U.S. This boost has been felt especially among smaller manufacturers.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald J. Trump, U.S. manufacturers like Jergens Inc., Grand River Rubber & Plastics, SafeSource Direct, AccuRounds, Whirlpool, and Excel Dryer.

📍 Where & When: Various U.S. locations, including Ohio, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Michigan, over recent weeks.

💬 Key Quote: “We are swamped. We are running 24 hours a day, seven days a week in both Chicago and Cleveland,” said Jack Schron, president of Jergens Inc.

⚠️ Impact: Smaller U.S. manufacturers are experiencing increased demand and potential growth, as tariffs level the playing field against foreign competitors.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump‘s administration continues to push for a resurgence in American manufacturing, with recent tariffs boosting demand for American-made goods. This shift particularly benefits smaller domestic manufacturers as more companies decide to onshore production.

“We are swamped. We are running 24 hours a day, seven days a week in both Chicago and Cleveland,” says Jack Schron, president of Jergens Inc. The company is known for producing heavy-duty power and industrial tools, including industrial screwdrivers, clamps, and hoists. Schron added that his facilities are “going like gangbusters” to meet demand.

In Ohio, Donny Chaplin, president of Grand River Rubber & Plastics, has observed a notable increase in inquiries and orders. Some former clients, who had previously switched to Chinese suppliers, are returning to Grand River for rubber gaskets. New business from oil filter manufacturers seeking to move away from China could potentially bring in $5 million annually, driving the need for expansion and additional hires.

The tariffs have become a vital lifeline for companies that emerged during the pandemic to produce personal protective equipment. Alan Rust, chief growth officer for SafeSource Direct, noted a significant rise in inquiries as new tariffs on Chinese rubber gloves have doubled prices, prompting businesses to seek alternative sources.

Massachusetts-based AccuRounds is experiencing a similar uptick, with employees working overtime to fulfill rising orders for steel components. CEO Michael Tamasi revealed a 20 percent increase in first-quarter sales compared to the previous year.

Whirlpool, a Michigan-based appliance manufacturer, is optimistic about the recent tariffs on imported appliances. CEO Marc Bitzer believes these measures will help close the price gap created by Asian competitors who benefit from cheaper components and steel.

Excel Dryer in Massachusetts is also reaping the benefits of the tariffs. Chief Operating Officer William Gagnon credits the import taxes with improving production location decisions and enhancing competitiveness against cheaper foreign copies.

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May 2, 2025
Economy

Trump Tariffs Force Germany’s Mercedes-Benz to Shift More Production to America.

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❓What Happened: Mercedes-Benz announced on Thursday, May 1, that it will shift additional production to the United States, with the aim of localizing the assembly of a new “core segment” vehicle at its facility in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

👥 Who’s Involved: Mercedes-Benz, President Donald J. Trump, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Stellantis, Toyota.

📍 Where & When: The announcement was made on May 1, 2025, with plans to have production of the “core segment” vehicle entirely moved to Alabama by 2027.

💬 Key Quote: In a statement announcing the move, Mercedes-Benz North America CEO Jason Hoff said: “We are getting even closer to the U.S. customer by localizing a core segment model in Tuscaloosa, strengthening our ties to the North American market where a range of Mercedes-Benz vehicles including the GLE and GLS models have their roots.”

⚠️ Impact: The move by Mercedes-Benz is the latest announcement by a major global corporation that it intends to increase its production base in the United States following President Trump’s imposition of a global 10 percent tariff on all foreign imports and additional trade duties on foreign steel and automobiles last month.

IN FULL:

Mercedes-Benz is set to expand its manufacturing operations in the United States, as the company plans to produce an additional vehicle at its Tuscaloosa, Alabama, facility. This move comes amid the Trump administration’s emphasis on bolstering American manufacturing, urging automakers to enhance their domestic production efforts to avoid tariffs imposed on foreign auto and steel imports earlier this year.

“We are getting even closer to the U.S. customer by localizing a core segment model in Tuscaloosa, strengthening our ties to the North American market where a range of Mercedes-Benz vehicles including the GLE and GLS models have their roots,” Mercedes-Benz North America CEO Jason Hoff said in a statement announcing the move on Thursday.

The decision aligns with other shifts in the automotive industry toward onshoring production. BMW is contemplating increasing its workforce in South Carolina with additional shifts. Honda intends to transfer production of its Civic model from Japan to U.S. facilities. Additionally, Hyundai has announced a significant $20 billion investment aimed at strengthening its American production capabilities. This includes a new $5.8 billion steel plant in Louisiana, aiding in Hyundai’s goal of localizing production in the United States.

Kia, in collaboration with Hyundai, plans to manufacture hybrid vehicles in Georgia. Nissan is evaluating the possibility of moving production from Mexico to the U.S. Additionally, Stellantis is set to restart its Belvidere, Illinois plant to produce a midsize pickup truck, while Toyota intends to increase hybrid vehicle production at its West Virginia facility.

The National Pulse reported earlier on Thursday that satellite radio provider SiriusXM told investors on its quarterly earnings call that it does not anticipate tariffs to significantly impact the company’s revenue. Notably, SiriusXM is heavily reliant on new car sales to build its subscriber base, holding installation agreements with most U.S. automakers.

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April 27, 2025
Economy
News

American Family Businesses Back Trump Tariffs’ Boost to Domestic Manufacturing.

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❓What Happened: American manufacturing is experiencing a resurgence, driven by President Donald J. Trump’s trade policies, which include tariffs.

👥 Who’s Involved: Family-owned businesses across the U.S., including Walker Forge, Franchino Mold & Engineering, ELLWOOD, and others, are voicing their support.

📍 Where & When: The impact is noted across various states such as Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and more, as the tariffs continue to be implemented.

💬 Key Quote: Will Walker of Walker Forge stated, “The tariffs send a clear message that companies cannot undercut our U.S. industrial base anymore.”

⚠️ Impact: Tariffs are leveling the playing field for American manufacturers, encouraging the reshoring of production, and protecting U.S. jobs.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump’s trade measures are garnering strong backing from numerous American family-owned manufacturing firms. The businesses, reflecting on years of unfair trade practices, are expressing approval of the administration’s tariffs intended to revive American industry.

Walker Forge, a third-generation business based in Wisconsin, manufactures steel forgings and is one of the companies vocal in its tariff support. President Will Walker emphasized that these trade policies underscore a paramount message: “The tariffs send a clear message that companies cannot undercut our U.S. industrial base anymore.”

In Michigan, Franchino Mold & Engineering’s Mike Hetherington highlighted the challenge U.S. companies face when competing with products subsidized abroad. The impact of artificially low-priced imports, particularly from China, strains domestic manufacturers abiding by stricter safety and labor norms. Hetherington supports tariffs that compel companies to reconsider their sourcing strategies in favor of domestic manufacturers.

ELLWOOD, operating out of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, has been actively involved in sectors ranging from defense to aerospace. CEO Ben Huffman stated that current tariffs are needed to counterbalance the disadvantages U.S. manufacturers face due to subsidized foreign competition.

Additional support comes from businesses such as Industrial Molds in Illinois. The company states it is witnessing an increase in orders and interest under the prevailing tariffs.

Under President Trump’s tariff policy, many big corporations have announced significant investments in the United States. Tech giant NVIDIA, for instance, stated it wants to invest as much as $500 billion in American infrastructure to manufacture AI supercomputers.

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April 24, 2025
Economy
News

Trump Tariff Strategy Sparks Surge in U.S. Manufacturing Investments.

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❓What Happened: Several companies announced significant investments in American manufacturing operations due to the Trump administration’s tariff policy and efforts to boost domestic production.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald J. Trump, American manufacturing companies, and workers across the United States.

📍 Where & When: Investments and growth were announced by the White House on April 23.

💬 Key Quote:  “Increasing our footprint in the U.S. is important.” — Regeneron CEO Leonard Schleifer

⚠️ Impact: Increased investments have led to job creation and economic growth in various regions across the country.

IN FULL:

American manufacturing has seen a surge in investment, attributed to Trump administration efforts to strengthen the sector and promote domestic economic growth. In recent days, multiple firms have announced substantial plans to enhance their manufacturing capabilities on U.S. soil, supporting job creation nationwide. This trend aligns with a concerted strategy to reduce reliance on overseas production and increase self-sufficiency.

On April 23, the White House released a statement revealing that foreign companies are investing billions of dollars in U.S.-based manufacturing. These include Swiss drug and diagnostics company Roche, which looks to invest $50 billion into manufacturing and R&D in the U.S.

Likewise, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a major player in biotechnology, has also stated it would be investing $3 billion. The company looks to produce pharmaceuticals in North Carolina. “Increasing our footprint in the U.S. is important,” said Regeneron Chief Executive Officer Leonard Schleifer.

The administration’s policies, which include tax incentives and reductions in regulatory burdens alongside tariffs against foreign producers, are cited as pivotal in these decisions.

President Donald J. Trump has made it clear through his tariff strategies that he is determined to bring back U.S. manufacturing jobs. NVIDIA, one of the largest tech companies, also recently announced it would be investing as much as $500 billion. The money will be used to create infrastructure to support the domestic manufacture of artificial intelligence (AI) supercomputers.

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April 15, 2025
Economy
News

Trump Pledges Fast-Track for Nvidia’s $500 Billion Investment.

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❓What Happened: NVIDIA plans a substantial investment in U.S. infrastructure to create AI supercomputers.

👥 Who’s Involved: NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, President Donald J. Trump.

📍 Where & When: Arizona and Texas, announcement made on April 14, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “The engines of the world’s AI infrastructure are being built in the United States for the first time.” — Jensen Huang.

⚠️ Impact: Potential growth in U.S. chip manufacturing; concerns about the impact of tariffs on demand.

IN FULL:

Tech giant NVIDIA has announced a major push to manufacture artificial intelligence (AI) supercomputers in the United States, committing to a $500 billion investment. This marks the first time the company will build its AI infrastructure domestically. President Donald J. Trump responded to the announcement on Truth Social, emphasizing that necessary permits for NVIDIA and similar businesses will be expedited to support what he described as the “Golden Age of America.”

The initiative involves over a million square feet dedicated to the production and testing of NVIDIA’s specialized Blackwell chips in Arizona, alongside the assembly of AI supercomputers in Texas. This investment is expected to realize up to half a trillion dollars in AI infrastructure over the next four years.

NVIDIA’s CEO, Jensen Huang, highlighted the strategic advantage of U.S.-based manufacturing. Huang stated it allows the company to better meet the demand for AI technology while fortifying supply chains and increasing operational resilience. “The engines of the world’s AI infrastructure are being built in the United States for the first time,” Huang said.

The announcement comes amid the Trump Administration’s stance that partial tariff waivers for electronics, such as phones and computer parts, are temporary. These waivers will remain until a new, industry-specific tariff strategy is devised. Trump’s economic strategy encourages global manufacturers to relocate production to the U.S.

The move by NVIDIA  comes after President Trump announced a significant investment by South Korean auto manufacturer Hyundai last month. The company will invest $21 billion in the United States. At least $5.8 billion of which will be invested in a new steel plant in Louisiana, providing over 1,400 jobs.

President Trump’s tariff policies have brought nearly all affected countries to the negotiating table except China. The Communist-led government has instead opted for its own retaliatory tariffs.

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April 14, 2025
Jack Montgomery
Economy

Trump Tariffs Spur NVIDIA to Manufacture AI Supercomputers ‘Entirely in the U.S.’

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❓What Happened: NVIDIA is launching U.S.-based manufacturing of AI supercomputers and Blackwell chips in Arizona and Texas, spurred by President Trump’s tariffs.

👥 Who’s Involved: NVIDIA, TSMC, Foxconn, Wistron, Amkor, SPIL, and President Donald J. Trump.

📍 Where & When: Arizona and Texas, with mass production expected to ramp up in 12-15 months, announced April 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “The engines of the world’s AI infrastructure are being built in the United States for the first time,” said NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang.

⚠️ Impact: Trump’s tariffs are driving tech giants to invest in America, boosting jobs and economic security.

IN FULL:

NVIDIA is bringing the production of its artificial intelligence (AI) supercomputers and Blackwell chips to the United States, spurred by President Donald J. Trump’s tariff policies that incentivize domestic manufacturing. The company has partnered with TSMC, Foxconn, Wistron, Amkor, and SPIL, securing over a million square feet of manufacturing space in Arizona and Texas to build and test these advanced technologies.

In Arizona, TSMC’s Phoenix plants have begun producing NVIDIA Blackwell chips, while Foxconn in Houston and Wistron in Dallas are constructing supercomputer manufacturing facilities. Mass production is slated to scale up within the next 12-15 months. NVIDIA anticipates producing up to half a trillion dollars of AI infrastructure in the U.S. over the next four years, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs and driving trillions in economic growth.

“The engines of the world’s AI infrastructure are being built in the United States for the first time,” said Jensen Huang, NVIDIA’s founder and CEO. He emphasized that adding American manufacturing strengthens supply chain resilience and meets the soaring demand for AI technology.

President Trump’s tariffs, designed to penalize offshoring and reward U.S. investment, have pushed NVIDIA to prioritize American factories. Tariffs have disrupted reliance on overseas supply chains, encouraging tech leaders to bet on American workers instead.

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