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It was an eventful year for the world’s supply chains and 2026 is already promising further change. Throughout 2025, trade policy shifts, tariff activity and regulatory decisions repeatedly reshaped sourcing strategies, transportation flows and cost structures. The pace of those changes left little room for standing still.
At the same time, manufacturers continued to invest; companies reshored their supply chains; and organizations tested out new technologies that support production, logistics and resilience. This 2025 news wrap-up revisits some of the top stories covered by Supply Chain Connect and highlights the developments that shaped the year.
New Tariffs Right Out of the Gate
Tariffs were on everyone’s minds as 2025 kicked off. In fact, the thought of double-digit tariffs on goods coming in from neighboring countries like Mexico and Canada had supply chain operators on edge most of the month. On Feb. 1, the president signed two executive orders—one levying a 25% duty on all imports from Mexico and most goods from Canada, and another levying a 10% tariff on Chinese goods imported into the U.S., according to CNN.
Now, supply chain operators are bracing themselves for the impacts of these new import duties. “Tariffs are not new. Over the past eight years, tariffs, especially those on Chinese-made goods, have become a normal part of business for some industries, companies and supply chains,” Institute for Supply Management (ISM) reports. “In his second term, President Donald Trump has promised additional tariffs on imports from other countries,” George Mason University’s Cheryl Druehl tells ISM.
Also in January, a port strike was averted when dockworkers, ports and shipping companies reached a tentative deal; California withdrew its request for a federal waiver to require commercial truckers to transition to zero-emissions vehicles; and the Treasury Department rolled out new sanctions targeting Iran’s oil supply chain.
Midyear Check-in
By midyear, supply chain operators were in turmoil as new tariffs were negotiated, economic news was announced and companies shifted to second-half planning. Trade tensions dominated the headlines, with the U.S. administration threatening new tariffs on semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, in addition to imports from China, Canada and other countries.
In the electronics space, Samsung and Tesla inked a significant AI chip deal tied to Samsung’s Texas fab. And Apple said it was investing $500 million in MP Materials to produce rare earth magnets at a new facility in Fort Worth. The magnets will be used in Apple products, and the deal is part of a larger effort to bring more of the company’s supply chain operations to the U.S.
The two companies will also build a recycling facility in Mountain Pass, Calif. to recover rare earth materials from used electronics and manufacturing scrap. “Rare earth materials are essential for making advanced technology,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook in a press release, “and this partnership will help strengthen the supply of these vital materials here in the United States.”
Also in July, Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern confirmed they are in advanced merger talks that could create the first U.S. freight railroad with coast-to-coast service, according to the AP. The deal would combine the largest and smallest of the six major freight railroads. If approved, it could streamline long-haul operations, improve network efficiency and offer more consistent service for domestic shippers.
In December, CBS reported that the proposed $85 billion merger of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railroads has lost the support of two of their biggest unions that represent more than half their workers because they're worried the deal would increase safety risks, lead to higher shipping rates and consumer prices and cause significant disruptions.
De Minimis Goes Away
One of the biggest supply chain developments took place in August, when the loophole that allowed merchandise worth less than $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free was eliminated. According to The Washington Post, the de minimis rule was put in place more than 90 years ago. Now, importers must pay a tariff rate ranging from 10%-50%, depending on their country of origin.
And at the same time that trade policy changes were stirring up uncertainty at the border, other headlines signified new investments aimed at strengthening domestic supply chains. One example came early in the month when General Motors and Noveon Magnetics announced that they would be partnering to secure U.S.-made rare earth magnets.
Under the multi-year agreement, Noveon is delivering rare earth magnets to support GM's full-size SUVs and trucks. “We’re proud to be delivering critical rare earth magnets in support of some of America’s most iconic vehicles,” Noveon’s CEO Scott Dunn said in a press release announcing the new alliance. “This agreement is a testament to what American manufacturers like GM and Noveon can do to develop supply chains and partnerships right here in the U.S.”
