The future of the manufacturing supply chain continues to evolve, and staying ahead requires insight, strategy and preparation. This was the focus of a recent webinar hosted by the Manufacturers Alliance, where leaders from Ascent Global Logistics, Mauro Rodrigo González, CCO and President of Mexico, and Micah Holst, EVP of Business Development, shared key challenges and opportunities shaping supply chains in 2025 and beyond.

Watch the full on-demand webinar here.

Adapting to a Disrupted Supply Chain

From geopolitical events to natural disasters, supply chain disruptions are unavoidable. As Micah noted, “It’s not a matter of if another seismic event will occur, but when.” Preparing for these disruptions requires contingency planning and strong partnerships with logistics providers. 

Key disruptions discussed included:

• –Labor strikes on the U.S. East Coast and in Canada, causing ocean freight bottlenecks. 
• –Geopolitical instability, such as conflicts in the Middle East and U.S.-China trade tensions. 
• –Natural disasters that continue to expose vulnerabilities in supply chains. 

Micah emphasized the importance of being ready, saying, “Prepare for when the next crisis occurs, and ensure you have a network and people with the skill sets to manage these types of scenarios.”

Mexico’s Nearshoring Advantage

Mexico’s strategic location and manufacturing capabilities have positioned it as a nearshoring hub. Mauro called this “a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Mexico,” noting that its manufacturing sector contributes approximately 5 trillion pesos to the nation’s GDP.

Nearshoring offers manufacturers the ability to move production closer to key markets, reducing costs and improving responsiveness. This trend has also led to a growing demand for shipping to Mexico as businesses seek efficient ways to manage their supply chains. Mauro pointed out, “We’ve seen a lot of Chinese companies moving inventory and production into Mexico to take advantage of trade policies and proximity to the U.S. market.”

However, Mexico must address certain challenges to sustain its growth. Mauro highlighted the need for collaboration between the government, private sector and educational institutions to tackle labor shortages and develop a skilled workforce. He also stressed the importance of investing in renewable energy, water resources and transportation infrastructure.

Tariffs and Trade Policy

Potential changes to U.S. trade policy were another major topic. President-elect Donald Trump has proposed substantial tariffs on major U.S. trading partners, including 25% on imports from Canada and Mexico and an additional 10% on goods from China. He also warned of 100% tariffs on BRICS nations, including China and Russia, if they shift away from the U.S. dollar. These measures, anticipated to begin as early as January 20, 2025, could reshape trade dynamics and create cost pressures for manufacturers.

Such policies raise concerns about inflation, job losses and compliance with the USMCA. Mauro highlighted the importance of trade agreements in fostering collaboration, stating, “At the end of the day, Mexico and the U.S. are always finding ways to solve problems and make sure they are growing and getting better.”

Micah also raised concerns about “front-loading,” where companies rush to import goods before tariff hikes, potentially causing short-term congestion at ports and warehouses.

The takeaway for manufacturers is clear: stay informed and adaptable. Monitor policy changes, plan for potential tariff impacts and work closely with logistics providers to maintain flexibility and avoid disruptions.

Technology: Driving Supply Chain Resilience

Innovative logistics technology has become essential for building resilient supply chains. Mauro explained, “Technology is growing because companies are investing and helping to digitalize the supply chain further and faster.” Digital tools are closing gaps, increasing speed and addressing challenges like labor shortages and cross-border delays.

Automation and digital platforms are transforming supply chain processes, improving visibility and reducing bottlenecks. Both speakers agreed that adopting advanced technology is no longer optional—it’s a necessity for staying competitive in today’s fast-changing market.

Micah highlighted tools like predictive analytics and real-time tracking, which help manufacturers anticipate and respond to disruptions. He added, “Technology is fantastic, but you still need skilled people and strong partnerships to fully leverage it.”

Looking ahead

The manufacturing supply chain of 2025 will be shaped by a mix of challenges and opportunities. As Micah put it, “Stay close to your providers, plan for volatility and be prepared for the unexpected.” With Mexico continuing to play a pivotal role in nearshoring and supply chain resilience more critical than ever, now is the time for manufacturers to put their plans in place.

Prepare for what’s ahead with Ascent Global Logistics as your trusted partner, bringing you time-critical logistics expertise when you need it most. Contact our team today.