Geopolitics takes a central role in supply chains

News Snapshot:

Of all the decisions Markus Group is making about its new mechanized lift to help Americans more easily access their attics, none may be more complicated than where to build the product. “Ten years ago I would have just immediately said China," said Mark Boone, owner of the Raleigh, N.C., contract manufacturer. China has everything Boone needs for his Stoaway Lift: steel for the frame, low-cost computerized machines that can fashion parts, and the semiconductors and radio communication systems for the lift’s remote operation. But U.S. trade relations with China are deteriorating, raising the potential that Washington could raise tariffs...