Global trade policies shift fast—and those shifts are hitting some manufacturers hard. With new and reinstated tariffs raising the cost of overseas production, OEMs and product developers are facing rising uncertainty and shrinking margins. If you’re still offshoring a significant percentage of your product development and manufacturing, it may be time to reconsider your strategy.
That’s what we plan to do in this blog, where we will break down:
- What’s happening with tariffs in the U.S. right now.
- Why U.S.-based production is a smart move—regardless of trade policy.
- How DEM delivers 100% U.S.-based, turnkey product development and manufacturing solutions that protect your bottom line.
The Current State of Tariffs in the U.S.
Tariff policy in the U.S. is changing fast—and the uncertainty is creating real risks for manufacturers. While some of the sweeping tariffs imposed over the past few months were temporarily paused, new rules are still taking their place. Right now, most imported goods face a baseline tariff of 10%, with tariffs as high as 145% on nearly all imports from China.
By the time you’re reading this, those numbers may have shifted again. But the direction is clear: developing and producing products overseas is likely to get more expensive, or at the very least, more risky.
For companies trying to manage budgets, safeguard intellectual property, protect margins, and maintain production schedules, this volatility presents a serious threat. One of the most effective ways to guard against these risks and rising costs? Move production—and product development—to the U.S.
Why U.S.-Based Product Development & Manufacturing Is a Solid Choice—Even Without Tariffs
Tariffs might be pushing companies to rethink their global supply chains, but they’re not the only reason to move production back to the U.S.
Over the past five years, we’ve seen just how fragile the global supply chain can be. From pandemic-related shutdowns and geopolitical instability, delays have become the norm. And in product development, delays cost more than just time—they cost market share.
Onshoring your development and manufacturing helps you avoid those costly disruptions. With U.S.-based production, you’re not waiting weeks for a shipment to clear customs or stuck tracking parts on container ships. You're moving faster—developing prototypes, testing them, and implementing feedback with less downtime.
That speed and flexibility is critical when bringing a new product to market. You’re able to iterate quickly, respond to customer needs, and stay ahead of the competition. And for highly regulated industries like defense, onshore manufacturing also makes it easier to meet compliance requirements.
DEM: 100% U.S.-Based Manufacturing
At DEM Manufacturing, we help companies bring innovative products to life—fast. Our turnkey approach takes you from concept to production in as little as 10 weeks, cutting traditional lead times in half without sacrificing precision or quality.
Every product we design, engineer, and manufacture is built in the U.S. Since our entire operation is 100% U.S.-based, our partners don’t just avoid tariffs—they avoid the instability that comes with international sourcing.
With DEM, you get:
- A Vertically Integrated Operation: All core capabilities—design, engineering, and manufacturing—under one roof to streamline product development and deployment.
- Cross-Functional Teams: Our engineers and manufacturing experts work together to optimize every product for speed to market and performance.
- Custom Development Process: Whether you're starting from a clean sheet or enhancing an existing product, we tailor the process to deliver exactly what your application requires.
This approach minimizes risk, shortens timelines, and allows you to adapt as your needs evolve.
Turnkey Manufacturing That Keeps You Ahead of Disruption
Certified to meet the strictest industry standards—including ITAR, ISO 9001, and ISO 13485—the products we manufacture are precision-built, rigorously tested, and trusted by companies operating in the most demanding environments. From defense contractors to medical device companies, DEM partners with organizations that can’t afford delays, defects, or compliance gaps.
To learn more about our capabilities and how we can help your organization onshore production while increasing effectiveness, reach out and contact us today.
