As global shipping costs surged and delivery timelines stretched thin, U.S. manufacturers and retailers found themselves at a crossroads. For many, the once-reliable flow of goods from an eastern country had turned into a logistical headache, riddled with delays and escalating expenses.
The COVID-19 pandemic shattered the illusion of supply chain stability, and the ripple effects continue today. Freight costs, particularly for large items like home appliances, have at times eclipsed the cost of the products themselves. Retailers were left with few options: pass those costs to consumers, accept shrinking margins, or rethink how and where their products are made.
