Three big trends in global manufacturing

Everything from shifts in trade and industrial policy to aging demographics are eroding and even severing global supply chains, writes KPMG US Economist Benjamin Shoesmith.

The pandemic and changes to trade policy have accelerated shifts in supply chains, emphasising the need for diversification and agility over merely seeking the lowest cost locale. Established manufacturing giants are losing market share to emerging competitors. Industrial policies aimed at reshoring production could potentially undermine the next generation of emerging market manufacturers. Manufacturing under pressure Manufacturing is historically the key for countries to climb the devel...

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Authors: Benjamin Shoesmith

Published Date: 25 September 2025