Weekly Review: Navigating Tariff Conflicts, Balancing Optimism, and Disregard for China's Electric Vehicles on Our Site
In the latest edition of the Manufacturing Weekly Review (dated August 5, 2025), key topics include the implications of trade tariffs, productivity differences among firms, and the impact of China's economic growth, among others.
Alcoa's CEO, Bill Oplinger, has emphasised the need for lasting tariffs to boost U.S. production, with restarting a smelter line costing an estimated $100 million and taking over a year. Meanwhile, General Motors (GM) anticipates the impact of tariffs to worsen in the current quarter, following a $1.1 billion hit in Q2.
The review covers the legal challenges to President Trump's tariffs and productivity differences that highlight standout vs. lagging firms. It also delves into the ongoing and potential worsening effects of China's economic impact on manufacturing, and advances in China’s biotech sector that are influencing global drug pipelines.
One of the significant developments is Intel's decision to cut 25% of its workforce and end European manufacturing projects. However, Intel continues to make progress on chip yields, relative to competitors Samsung and TSMC.
The review features summarized insights from articles and reports analysing manufacturing technology, management, policy, and economics in the US and abroad. In addition to these article summaries, the Weekly Review includes podcasts and reports with insights on manufacturing productivity, policy, and technology trends.
For ongoing context, related recent content highlights include manufacturing KPIs and metrics reporting for 2025, IndustryWeek’s coverage of trade tariffs, labour issues, talent development, and company investment decisions in manufacturing, and Global PMI data showing mixed global manufacturing business conditions.
The review also includes a new quiz to test readers' knowledge of its most recent manufacturing articles, recommendations for planning opportunities with the new tax law, vital debt and working capital management strategies for manufacturers, and planning a transition, including who to surround oneself with.
Interestingly, half of the construction and agricultural machinery manufacturers on the 2025 U.S. 500 experienced a drop in revenue in fiscal 2024. On the other hand, a distributor saved approximately $100,000 and reduced errors by implementing CLA Accounts Payable AI.
Lastly, the review discusses the success of Chinese automakers like BYD and others, which poses an existential threat to the industry, dependent on two variables. Additionally, a podcast titled "From Ideas to Outcomes: Choosing the Best Solution Wisely" discusses reducing potential risks in change. Caterpillar's pursuit of sustainability by maximising the efficiency of burning current fuels and leading in manufacturing involving managing hope amid uncertainty are also highlighted.
Technology advancements in the biotech sector of China are influencing global drug pipelines, as highlighted in the review. Meanwhile, the integration of Accounts Payable AI has helped a distributor save approximately $100,000 and reduce errors.
