Daily Supply Chain News - 2026-01-22

Electronics, Automotive, Aerospace, Transportation
Welcome to today's supply chain update for January 22, 2026. As we kick off the new year, the manufacturing and distribution sectors continue to navigate the aftershocks of 2025's tumultuous events, including sweeping tariffs, widespread labor strikes, and unforeseen tragedies that reshaped global networks. With a sharp focus on the USA automotive manufacturing industry, we're tracking how these disruptions are influencing production schedules, costs, and resilience strategies amid ongoing policy shifts.

Recent data shows U.S. manufacturing output rose unexpectedly in December 2025, buoyed by primary metals, but motor vehicle assembly dipped, signaling persistent challenges from tariff uncertainties and supply chain realignments. Businesses are adapting to new trade realities, including fresh semiconductor duties and deals with key partners like Taiwan, as they prepare for potential escalations.

Electronics

The electronics sector is grappling with acute supply chain pressures from the latest U.S. tariff actions on semiconductors and manufacturing equipment. On January 15, 2026, the White House issued a proclamation adjusting imports of semiconductors, imposing a 25% global tariff while striking a deal with Taiwan for lower rates and increased U.S. chip investments. This move classifies these critical components as national security risks, exacerbating shortages that began in 2025.

Production delays are mounting, with delivery times for electronics components extending by 20-30% due to rerouted shipments from China to Southeast Asia and Taiwan. Costs have surged 15-25%, driven by compliance hurdles and higher freight rates amid trade tensions. U.S. firms reliant on Asian suppliers face inventory pileups and production halts, particularly for consumer gadgets and automotive infotainment systems.

Long-term, this could accelerate onshoring, but short-term disruptions threaten Q1 2026 output. Companies like those in semiconductor-dependent assembly are diversifying to Mexico and Vietnam, echoing 2025’s reshuffling.

Sources:

Automotive

USA automotive manufacturing remains at the epicenter of supply chain turmoil, with 2025’s tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and the EU—overriding USMCA provisions—continuing to ripple into 2026. Recent threats of Greenland tariffs and EU tensions are stoking fears of further disruptions, while legacy effects from strikes at major plants like those of the UAW have idled assembly lines.

As of January 22, 2026, U.S. motor vehicle production contracted in December 2025 despite overall factory gains, with tariffs adding 10-15% to imported parts costs. Delivery times for critical components like batteries and steel have stretched to 45-60 days, up from 30 pre-2025. OEMs report 5-8% output cuts, hitting models dependent on cross-border flows.

The top story from Supply Chain Dive highlights how 2025’s trifecta of tariffs, strikes, and tragedies forced a “mosaic of uncertainty,” prompting nearshoring booms in the U.S. Southwest. Long-term, expect accelerated EV transitions but higher consumer prices—potentially $2,000-3,000 per vehicle.

Recommendations include dual-sourcing from USMCA-compliant suppliers and investing in digital twins for visibility.

Sources:

Construction

Construction supply chains are strained by tariff-induced spikes in steel, aluminum, and critical minerals, compounding 2025’s labor shortages from strikes. U.S. imports from tariff-hit nations have dropped 12%, pushing primary metals output higher but inflating material costs by 18-22%.

Projects face 10-15% delays in structural deliveries, with distribution bottlenecks at ports adding weeks. Heavy equipment makers report rising logistics costs, impacting infrastructure builds under federal programs.

Mitigation: Bulk stockpiling and regional sourcing from tariff-exempt allies.

Sources:

Aerospace

The aerospace sector contends with compounded risks from tariffs on titanium and composites, alongside 2025 strike legacies at Boeing and suppliers. Backlogs grow as engine and avionics deliveries lag 25%, with costs up 12%.

U.S. production forecasts for 2026 are tempered by trade uncertainties, urging diversified supplier bases.

Sources:

Transportation

Transportation logistics are overwhelmed by rerouted freight from tariff shifts, with U.S. trade surging to Southeast Asia despite threats. Port congestion and rail strikes’ aftermath have hiked shipping rates 20%, delaying automotive and electronics hauls.

Digital tools for route optimization are key best practices.

Sources:

Chemicals

Chemicals face disruptions from tariffs on derivatives and minerals, with 2025 tragedies at facilities amplifying safety-driven halts. Feedstock costs rose 15%, impacting automotive coatings and plastics.

Strategies: Vertical integration and alternative sourcing.

Sources:

AIs can make mistakes. Check important info.