Manufacturing

Manufacturing sector news can be a leading indicator for supply chain managers looking for information about supplier capacity, production challenges, inventory tactics, and other operations trends. Are you a manufacturing executive looking for further coverage of the sector? See our sister publication manufacturingdive.com.


  • Lamb Weston's "Crispy on Delivery" fries are pictured next to a hot dog.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Lamb Weston
    Image attribution tooltip

    Lamb Weston warns of supply chain pressures amid Iran war

    The french fry maker anticipates a rise in commodity volatility, including for packaging and fuel, if the conflict persists.

    By April 9, 2026
  • A Matson vessel docked at a Southern California port terminal.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Matson
    Image attribution tooltip
    Deep Dive

    Tariff refund process still unclear for many companies

    While some have filed lawsuits and administrative claims, others are waiting for more certainty, experts said.

    By Jeffrey Kinney • April 9, 2026
  • Shipping containers are stacked at the Port of Los Angeles on February 7, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Explore the Trendline
    Image attribution tooltip
    Mario Tama via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip
    Trendline

    Top 5 stories from Supply Chain Dive

    Here’s how companies are navigating evolving global trade and tariff policies, rising costs and operational uncertainty across supply chain networks.

    By Supply Chain Dive staff
  • Three people are on a screen during a panel discussion, framed by banners with the corresponding name and titles.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Kelly Stroh/Supply Chain Dive
    Image attribution tooltip

    How food manufacturers are rethinking product assortments

    Brands are opting for fewer SKUs and being selective about restocking practices, experts said at the Food Manufacturing Summit.

    By April 9, 2026
  • Cans of Hormel chili are displayed on a shelf.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Hormel modernizes supply chain with AI planning platform

    The branded food company is using o9’s forecasting tools to model demand drivers, reduce manual overrides and sharpen seasonal forecast accuracy.

    By April 6, 2026
  • Various pill bottles stand arranged on a pharmacy shelf.
    Image attribution tooltip
    IPGGutenbergUKLtd via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip
    Trump tariffs

    Trump slaps steep tariffs on patented drug imports

    The 100% tariff will go into effect on July 31 for several major pharmaceutical companies — with full-scale implementation to begin in September.

    By April 2, 2026
  • Shipping containers of varying colors stacked on a ship.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Mario Tama via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Manufacturing sector expands for third consecutive month, but war, tariffs cause worry: PMI

    Price increases in 17 of the 18 economic sectors tracked are a particular concern and are impacting business operations, according to survey respondents.

    By Jeffrey Kinney • April 1, 2026
  • Three people, each in their own box, with two on top of one.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Sara Samora/Manufacturing Dive, data from Screenshot of the virtual event panel/Supply Chain Dive
    Image attribution tooltip

    How food manufacturers can benefit from AI and other technologies

    Experts at the virtual Food Manufacturing Summit said companies can leverage technologies such as artificial intelligence to comply with U.S. regulations and heighten food safety.

    By March 31, 2026
  • A sign with the HP logo is posted in front of a Hewlett-Packard office
    Image attribution tooltip
    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    HP pulls multiple levers to battle soaring memory chip costs

    Along with leveraging existing supplier relationships, the computer maker is expanding its sourcing pool and building strategic inventory positions.

    By March 31, 2026
  • Large building with Hasbro sign
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Peachtree Group
    Image attribution tooltip

    Hasbro opens distribution hub to cut costs, speed deliveries

    The Georgia facility will shrink the toymaker’s logistics network while adding resilience and efficiencies.

    By March 31, 2026
  • Manufacturers brace for price increases from Strait of Hormuz closure

    Crude oil prices have surged 47% this month and polypropylene jumped 24%, affecting transportation and plastics costs.

    By Nathan Owens • March 27, 2026
  • Man and woman shake hands
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Office of the U.S. Trade Represenative
    Image attribution tooltip

    US, Japan deepen ties on critical mineral supply chains

    The two countries unveiled an action plan to build a plurilateral pact on critical minerals, setting shared rules, price floors and stockpiling goals with other willing partners.

    By March 26, 2026
  • Copper rods stacked on a shelf
    Image attribution tooltip
    Scott Olson/Getty Images via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Energy Department offers $500M to scale critical minerals production

    Within that total, the agency plans to fund between $50 million and $100 million for projects that bolster domestic supplies for advanced battery manufacturing.

    By Nathan Owens • March 25, 2026
  • A rendering of Elon Musk's Terafab project in Austin, Texas.
    Image attribution tooltip
    (2026). "Terafab launch" [Video]. Retrieved from X.
    Image attribution tooltip

    Elon Musk to build advanced chip factories in Texas for SpaceX and Tesla

    Musk said the 100 million-square-foot facility would address a lack of available chip production capacity for Tesla's cars and robots.

    By Nathan Owens • March 24, 2026
  • Robots in action on the new line at Toyota Kentucky as future Camrys seamlessly roll through the production process.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Toyota
    Image attribution tooltip

    Toyota invests another $1B in its US manufacturing operations

    The funds are part of a larger $10 billion commitment to build out the automaker's U.S. supply chain.

    By Bengt Halvorson • March 24, 2026
  • New paint shop stands as part of sprawling Volkswagen de México facility.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Volkswagen de México
    Image attribution tooltip

    Mexico’s auto parts sector thinks it will withstand US trade policy instability

    However, upcoming trade talks will be crucial to resolve critical topics like tariffs and rules around China-based firms’ investments. 

    By Elizabeth Machuca • March 23, 2026
  • Five people sitting in chairs in a white, lit room.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Sara Samora/Supply Chain Dive
    Image attribution tooltip

    Toyota suppliers seek relief from USMCA review

    The automaker’s executives said they want federal officials to keep the agreement trilateral, as the company has 14 manufacturing plants and supply chain operations across North America.

    By March 20, 2026
  • a battery energy storage system made by Tesla
    Image attribution tooltip
    Melissa Sue Gerrits via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Tesla, LG to build $4.3B battery plant as part of supply agreement

    The Michigan manufacturing facility is scheduled to open in 2027 and will provide batteries for Tesla’s Megapack 3 utility-scale energy storage systems.

    By March 17, 2026
  • Babybel cheese in red wrapping
    Image attribution tooltip
    Retrieved from Flickr.
    Image attribution tooltip

    Babybel parent spending $200M to expand cheese production

    Bel Group’s North American CEO said that without the expansion, it could struggle to meet demand as soon as 2027.

    By Christopher Doering • March 17, 2026
  • Trucks drive into United States from Mexico at a port of entry,
    Image attribution tooltip
    Apu Gomes via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    USITC probes USMCA auto rules’ impact on industry competitiveness

    The new study will assess how the major trade pact shapes auto supply chains, technology shifts and the future of electric vehicle manufacturing.

    By March 12, 2026
  • U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stands in the foreground while President Donald Trump delivers remarks in the background.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Anna Moneymaker via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Trump admin probes foreign manufacturing production, capacity

    The Section 301 investigation covers several countries, including China and Mexico, alleging their production rates are “untethered” from domestic and global demand.

    By March 12, 2026
  • An aerial view from February 2025 that shows construction progress at Intel's Ohio One campus.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Intel Corporation
    Image attribution tooltip

    Intel has manufacturing capacity issues. They may take years to fix.

    The company redirected some of its chips production to meet surging server demand, but analysts say it's missing out on emerging AI-driven trends.

    By Nathan Owens • March 11, 2026
  • General Mills logo at its headquarters.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    General Mills taps interim CSCO for top supply chain post

    Company veteran Jonathan Ness will oversee global supply chain operations and report directly to the CEO.

    By March 10, 2026
  • Four stacks of cans of Campbell's soup displayed on a grocery store shelf on June 2, 2025, in Chicago. Cans in the stacks, from left to right, are labeled "Spicy Nacho Cheese," "Chicken with Rice," "Tomato Bisque" and "Spicy Tomato."
    Image attribution tooltip
    Scott Olson via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Campbell’s promotes supply chain head Cassandra Green to CSCO

    Green steps into a top leadership role focused on logistics and planning, procurement, manufacturing and food safety and quality.

    By March 10, 2026
  • A machine that processes cases at a Walmart facility.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Walmart
    Image attribution tooltip

    Manufacturers’ biggest challenge in adopting AI is preparing their systems for it, expert says

    Companies that can adapt their physical environment and workflows are set to benefit the most from the technology.

    By Nathan Owens • March 9, 2026
  • A United States flag flies in front of a manufacturing facility
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Can reshoring and onshoring deliver manufacturing sustainability benefits?

    Manufacturers may be weighing tariff costs, but they’re also assessing whether domestic production investments can help achieve supply chain resilience, procurement and labor goals.

    By Keesa Schreane • March 6, 2026