Tariff Manufacturing Checklist For Moving To The United States

With rising tariffs on imported goods, many businesses are considering relocating their manufacturing operations to the United States. 

Transitioning production domestically can help mitigate tariff-related costs, improve supply chain efficiency, and enhance product quality. 

For companies dealing with packaging, this move can also unlock faster turnaround times, better control over quality, and improved branding. To ensure a smooth and strategic move, follow this comprehensive checklist. 

Start by evaluating the financial implications of relocating. Calculate your current tariff costs and account for potential increases due to geopolitical shifts or trade wars. 

Next, compare labor, materials, and overhead between your current overseas production and what you’d face in the U.S. Don’t overlook potential benefits, such as state and federal tax incentives, grants, or programs designed to support reshoring initiatives. Companies specializing in packaging can often access specific subsidies for sustainable or eco-friendly production practices.

Packaging businesses should also review how tariffs have affected raw materials like paper, corrugate, or inks and coatings—costs that significantly impact the bottom line.

A successful transition hinges on finding reliable domestic manufacturing partners. This means researching local suppliers and contract manufacturers who understand your product category. 

Vet them thoroughly—check certifications, references, and prior experience. For packaging, this includes understanding the manufacturer’s capabilities in structural design, print quality, finishing options, and assembly.

Ask for samples and test their quality. For packaging, details matter. Is the corrugate durable? Are the prints vibrant? Do the folds align perfectly? Minor inconsistencies can have a big impact on shelf appeal and customer satisfaction.

Bold decisions now will save costs and reputational risks later.

The right facility can streamline operations and reduce costs. Determine if leasing or purchasing makes more sense for your business model. Look for manufacturing hubs or industrial zones that offer logistical advantages—near ports, highways, or rail lines. In addition, consider access to skilled labor pools and local regulations that might impact setup or operations.

Packaging companies may want to co-locate near distribution centers or retail hubs to cut down lead times. If you’re involved in custom or short-run packaging, proximity to key markets gives you a competitive edge.

Ensure your new facility complies with zoning laws, environmental policies, and safety regulations. Having a green or LEED-certified operation can also enhance your brand's value proposition.

Once your location and partners are in place, it’s time to re-evaluate your supply chain. 

Identify domestic sources for your key raw materials. For packaging, that includes corrugated board, paperboard, adhesive, inks, and more. Local sourcing can reduce lead times, minimize risks from global disruptions, and make just-in-time manufacturing more viable.

Develop a logistics plan that maps out how materials arrive, how inventory is managed, and how finished goods are distributed. Consider software or ERP systems that integrate production with supply chain visibility. 

For packaging companies managing seasonal campaigns or promotional displays, being able to pivot quickly is essential.

Domestic manufacturing means hiring and training U.S.-based employees. Partner with local workforce development programs or technical schools to recruit skilled labor. Train your team not just in production techniques but also in quality assurance and safety compliance.

For packaging businesses, it’s important to ensure teams are familiar with industry-specific machineries like die-cutters, folder-gluers, digital presses, or laminators. Strong employee onboarding and cross-training can increase efficiency and reduce downtime.

Moving to U.S.-based packaging operations comes with challenges. These can include higher labor costs, setup expenses, and regulatory hurdles. Initial investments in equipment, real estate, and staff training can be substantial.

Supply chain disruption is another common pain point. Transitioning from overseas suppliers to domestic ones takes time. Establishing redundancy in your supply chain—multiple sources for the same raw material—can mitigate risks. For packaging, where timing is everything, any delay can derail a launch or retail reset.

To stay competitive in the U.S. market, companies must embrace automation. This helps offset higher labor costs and drives efficiency. Packaging manufacturers can leverage robotics, AI, and smart sensors to streamline tasks like box forming, labeling, quality checks, and inventory control.

Incorporate lean manufacturing principles—eliminate waste, standardize processes, and continuously improve. Automation also allows you to scale rapidly when demand spikes, especially for custom or seasonal packaging. 

Each industry has its own set of rules, and packaging is no exception. From food-safe materials to recycling symbols and labeling, ensure your packaging complies with federal and state regulations. Certifications like FSC, ISO, and FDA compliance may be necessary depending on your product.

Work closely with legal advisors and compliance officers to navigate environmental, safety, and workplace regulations. Failing to meet U.S. standards can lead to costly delays or recalls.

Your new cost structure will likely differ from your overseas model. Reassess pricing, taking into account domestic labor, materials, and logistics. Update your customer contracts and renegotiate supplier terms accordingly.

Be transparent with customers about any changes. Emphasize benefits like faster delivery, improved quality, and ethical sourcing. In the packaging world, U.S.-made often signals reliability and sustainability.

Outline a detailed plan that includes a timeline, budget, and milestones. Assign internal champions to oversee different aspects of the move—facilities, operations, HR, and compliance. Create contingency plans to handle unexpected issues.

Trial runs are essential. Test your domestic packaging processes on a small scale before scaling up. This allows time to refine workflows and catch issues before they affect larger orders.

Shifting operations can impact pricing, lead times, and product specs. Proactive communication is key to maintaining trust. Keep customers informed through every phase. Use email campaigns, website updates, and account manager outreach.

Highlight the benefits of U.S.-based packaging —superior quality, faster service, and eco-conscious materials. Demonstrating value helps justify any price increases and strengthens brand loyalty.

Now that you’ve reshored your packaging, it’s time to shout it from the rooftops. Update all branding materials to reflect your commitment to domestic production. Use “Made in the USA” logos where applicable.

Tell your story. Explain why you moved to manufacture stateside—customer service, sustainability, speed. Case studies and testimonials can show how your packaging solutions have improved.

Relocating manufacturing to the U.S. is a smart, strategic move—especially for businesses in packaging. It can reduce tariff costs, improve speed to market, and elevate product quality. But success requires careful planning, the right partners, and the ability to adapt. At Bennett, we support brands through every step—from managing rising costs and sourcing materials to scaling production and ensuring compliance.

This checklist is a practical guide for packaging companies making the shift. Focus on long-term value, stay flexible, and keep your customer at the core of every decision. Domestic packaging isn’t just a logistical change—it’s a competitive edge.

Want to learn more about how we can help? Contact our team—we’re ready to support your next move.