Join us as we look ahead at the manufacturing and sourcing landscape in 2026.
Tariffs, AI, supply chain “decoupling,” smart factories, and new sustainability rules aren’t abstract topics anymore. They are starting to affect real orders, real costs, and real continuity for importers.
In this episode of China Manufacturing Decoded, we talk through five trends that buyers should know about in 2026 and beyond, especially if you develop or manufacture more complex products such as electronics and electromechanical devices in China or other Asian countries.
Listen to the audio here or on Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Amazon Podcasts · Deezer · iHeartRADIO · TuneIn.
What’s in the episode
- 03:16 – Trend #1: Tariff volatility in the Trump era
- 12:14 – Trend #2: Where is ‘China+1’ really going?
- 19:36 – Trend #3: Sustainability, repairability & modular design
- 24:10 – Trend #4: AI/data centers and component price shocks
- 27:49 – Trend #5: Smart manufacturing: hype vs. factory floor reality
Further reading
- Breaking Down the US-China Trade Tariffs: What’s in Effect Now?
- US to allow Nvidia H200 chip shipments to China, Trump says
- Global trade to hit record $35 trillion despite slowing momentum
- The AI frenzy is driving a memory chip supply crisis
- RAM is ruining everything
- 2026 Manufacturing Industry Outlook
- Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation
