Manufacturers often struggle to turn reshoring goals into a qualified regional supplier shortlist. Learn a three-step supplier sourcing process for aligning stakeholders, finding stronger North American candidates, and giving capable suppliers a reason to respond.
Reshoring creates a challenge traditional sourcing teams do not always face: evaluating suppliers they may not know. After years of sourcing products overseas, many purchasing teams have limited knowledge of the North American supply base A supplier may appear capable based on its website or an introductory call. But…
Most procurement teams still approach sourcing as if suppliers are waiting to be selected. They’re not. Strong North American suppliers are busy. They are choosing which customers to support, which RFQs to quote, and where to allocate limited engineering and production capacity. If your team…
Most reshoring efforts stall before sourcing even starts. Teams jump into supplier searches with unclear requirements, inconsistent input from stakeholders, and a long list of “possible” suppliers. The result is predictable. Too many low-fit suppliers, slow response rates, and weeks of rework. Supplier discovery is…
Many manufacturers say they want to reshore. They run the analysis, align on the strategy, and target Mexico or the U.S. as alternatives to Asia. Then progress slows. Most teams assume that if capable suppliers exist, they can find them quickly. They believe a web…
Most reshoring initiatives still start the same way – someone asks purchasing to “send out RFQs.” That instinct is understandable. RFQs feel rigorous. They create a paper trail. They signal control. They are also the fastest way to stall a rapid reshoring effort. RFQs were designed for a…
For decades, most U.S. manufacturers followed a clear sourcing playbook: move production to low-cost countries, particularly in Asia, to reduce piece-part prices. That approach worked—until it didn’t. Tariffs, rising freight rates, supply chain disruptions, and more tariffs have pushed manufacturers to rethink their sourcing strategies….
U.S. manufacturers are reducing dependence on distant supply chains. This trend started in 2018 with the steel and aluminum tariffs, accelerated in 2021 with post-covid supply chain disruptions, and has now become the “new normal” with U.S. tariffs on imported goods averaging nearly 15% –…
In recent years, more manufacturers have shifted away from relying solely on Asian suppliers. Rising freight costs, tariffs, long lead times, and supply chain uncertainty have made reshoring manufacturing and nearshoring to Mexico a smart strategy for many companies. But for procurement teams that have…
If you’re trying to reshore production or shift business to suppliers in the U.S. or Mexico, you need a better approach than just blasting out RFQs. Local suppliers aren’t always hungry for your business. Many are busy and the good ones can be selective. They’re…