The Manufacturing Report

Today, we spotlight the workers at the heart of American manufacturing! Alliance for American Manufacturing President Scott Paul shares powerful stories from factory workers across the United States and offers a ground-level view of American Manufacturing today. From steel mills in Indiana and Ohio to copper mining in Utah and paper production in Oregon, workers share how manufacturing sustains families, communities and local economies. Workers also share the importance of strong trade policy and why keeping jobs in America matters now more than ever.

A viral TikTok trend is taking viewers inside Chinese factories, promising designer-quality goods at rock-bottom prices — but at what cost? The Alliance for American Manufacturing’s Cat Adams and Scott Paul unpack the truth behind these videos, explore the ethical and economic issues tied to cheap imports, and highlight the growing movement to support American-made products. Plus, hear how NFL star Jason Kelce is teaming up with American Giant to promote U.S. manufacturing through fashion with a purpose.

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Ideas can come from anywhere… even while just doing laundry! Holli Harris, founder of The Nice Rack, shares how a Scottish drying rack inspired her to launch a Made-in-America business from her garage. She details the product’s development, early sales through Etsy, and her hands-on approach to manufacturing. Holli discusses the challenges of sourcing materials locally, her commitment to sustainability, and the joy of building a functional, beautiful product.

Photo courtesy of The Nice Rack

On April 2, the United States launched its boldest trade move in decades. Alliance for American Manufacturing President Scott Paul and Senior Vice President For Government Affairs & Policy Scott Boos break down the sweeping tariff changes, marking a strong shift away from globalization. They discuss how reciprocal tariffs what it means for trade with countries like China, the EU, and Mexico. They also talk about the closure of the de minimis loophole affecting platforms like Temu and SHEIN and the rollout of steep auto tariffs aimed at rebuilding U.S. manufacturing and strengthening national security.

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Buy America isn’t just a slogan — it’s a lifeline for U.S. manufacturers and local communities. No one knows this more than Hollie Noveletsky, CEO of Novel Iron Works in New Hampshire. Hollie shares why strong Buy America policies are essential to leveling the playing field and how they reinvest public infrastructure dollars into local jobs and communities.

Photo courtesy of Hollie Noveletsky

One company has been crafting durable American-made baskets for over a century. Paul Lordan, second-generation owner of Steele Canvas Basket Corp, shares how the company expanded beyond its industrial roots, with its carts appearing in movies and even Red Sox celebrations. The 2008 recession and COVID-19 forced the company to adapt, leading to a thriving e-commerce business. Despite foreign competition, Steele Canvas remains committed to U.S. manufacturing and craftsmanship.

Photo courtesy of Steele Canvas

The future of footwear isn’t plastic — it’s algae. Ryan Hunt, co-founder of Shloop and BLKSWN Footwear, discusses how his journey to a footwear factory in Meridian, Miss., began with a bioengineering lab. Hunt discusses:

• How algae, once explored for biofuels, became a key ingredient in his companies’ eco-friendly footwear

• The pitfalls of global supply chains

• Why he decided to manufacture in the United States

• What’s coming next for his retail brand as it develops its customer base

Photo courtesy of Shloop

Finding the perfect Made in America gift can be tough. How do you know what’s truly made here? Alex Goulet and his co-author Willy DeConto set out to make solve this problem. Alex joins The Manufacturing Report to discuss the latest edition of "Crafted with Pride," a directory of 1,400+ Made in USA brands. He shares insights on U.S. manufacturing, consumer habits, and how the book helps buyers find American-made products.

Photo courtesy of Alex Goulet

President Donald Trump didn’t impose tariffs on the first day of his second administration, but he did set the stage for them. Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) President Scott Paul and AAM Senior Vice President for Government Affairs & Policy Scott Boos give you their take on the “America First” trade memo Trump issued on Jan. 20 and its implications for U.S. manufacturing.

More discussion points from the memo:

• Revoking China’s permanent normal trade relations with the U.S.

• Evaluating the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement

• Enforcing existing trade laws

• Creating new trade enforcement tools

• Losing loopholes like de minimis.

Photo by Jim Watson/Getty Images

When renowned architect David Rockwell designed life-size toy building blocks, he tapped a Rhode Island foam factory to bring his product to market in 2009. Children’s museums and play spaces around the country eagerly snapped up Imagination Playground’s Big Blue Blocks. But, in 2018, the company’s executives sought to lower prices by offshoring against Rockwell’s wishes, so that Rhode Island factory fought back. Imagination Playground CEO Jim Stallman shares how they kept American manufacturing the cornerstone of the company’s success.

Photo courtesy Imagination Playground