American companies are optimistic about boosting domestic manufacturing as markets fluctuate with the United States’ shifting trade policy. CEOs of made-in-America businesses say there are real benefits from increasing production in the US, but achieving this goal requires significant time, money, and planning.
Ric Cabot, CEO of Darn Tough Vermont, a sock maker based in Vermont, welcomes the prospect of domestic manufacturing making a comeback. However, he notes that commitment is essential to its success. “Domestic manufacturing is in a good spot, but you gotta commit,” he said.
Darn Tough and other US manufacturers could benefit from higher tariffs on imported goods, which would increase the cost of production for foreign competitors. Cabot’s company already benefits from this arrangement, with most of its merino wool sourced domestically and all manufacturing done within the US.
However, CEOs also warn that newly imposed tariffs can make importing machinery more expensive, making it challenging to invest in new facilities or expand existing ones. Bayard Winthrop, founder and CEO of American Giant, notes that US consumption may decrease as international trade rebalances, but he welcomes attention on domestic manufacturing after four decades of neglect.
Winthrop advocates for a more nuanced approach to trade, suggesting that friendly allies like Canada and Vietnam should be treated differently from China. CEOs emphasize the need for time to develop domestic supply chains and train the workforce.
Companies like Decked, which makes truck-storage-system products in Ohio and Utah, have already invested heavily in building US production capacity. However, even with significant investments, CEOs acknowledge that it’s not a quick process. Bill Banta, CEO of Decked, notes that product development cycles are shortened when suppliers are located nearby, but investing in new equipment and technology can still be daunting.
Ultimately, CEOs see potential for the US manufacturing industry to make a comeback and create jobs lost during the shift overseas. With enough time and commitment, they believe domestic manufacturing can thrive again.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/ceos-made-in-usa-american-brands-domestic-manufacturing-benefits-challenges-2025-4