U.S. politicians want to reshore manufacturing. But what makes it so special?

By Greg Rosalsky

Published July 18, 2025 at 5:06 AM EDT

One hope for reshoring manufacturing is it could help revitalize the heartland. NPR's Planet Money team dives deep into the economic theory and evidence behind this idea.

Related Content

Trump threatens to sue over article about Epstein. And, what's next for public media

Brittney Melton

President Trump has threatened to sue the Wall Street Journal over an article alleging ties to Jeffrey Epstein. And, Congress has passed the rescission package affecting public media and foreign aid.
NPR CEO Katherine Maher discusses the future of public radio

Hosts

NPR CEO Katherine Maher answers questions on the future of public radio as Congress strips over $1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Ask your kids' camps these key questions about heat and flood safety, experts say

Julia Simon

Camps in nature can be great for kids, but they can also expose campers to floods, wildfires and heat. Here are the top questions experts say people should ask camps about safety.
Two park rangers recall being the first to clean Mt. Rushmore

Esther Honig

In this StoryCorps, two park rangers recall being part of a team specially trained to brave the heights and wash the four faces of the presidents on Mt. Rushmore — something no one had ever attempted.
A playbook is forming for younger candidates. The results have so far been mixed

Elena Moore

Calls for generational change and dissatisfaction with the status quo have been at the center of campaigns by younger candidates. While that has lifted some to victory, others have fallen short.

You make NHPR possible.

NHPR is nonprofit and independent. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. Your support makes this news available to everyone.

Give today. A monthly donation of $5 makes a real difference.