Managing Supply Chain Risk in 2025: Strategies for U.S. Metal Manufacturers
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In 2025, supply chain risk is on the minds of many. Manufacturers are facing rising tariffs, labor shortages, uncertain lead times, and supplier inconsistencies, all while trying to meet customer demand with speed and precision.
The good news? Risk can be managed—and even transformed into a competitive edge—with the right strategies and the right partner.
Ryerson helps turn those strategies into action through localized supply, advanced fabrication capabilities, and end-to-end support.
Top Supply Chain Risks Facing U.S. Manufacturers in 2025
1. Tariffs and Trade Barriers
Sudden changes in trade policy can upend budgets overnight. With rising tariffs on imported metals and components, more manufacturers are reevaluating their reliance on offshore sourcing.
Leveraging domestically sourced and processed materials can help mitigate this risk while improving regulatory compliance and cost predictability.
2. Logistics Disruptions
From port delays to geopolitical instability, the global shipping network has become increasingly fragile. Manufacturers that depend on international logistics are facing extended lead times and missed production windows.
That’s why proximity matters. With a processing and distribution network that spans more than 100 North American locations, Ryerson helps manufacturers get the material and finished parts they need—faster and closer to where they’re used.
3. Supplier Reliability
A single missed delivery or out-of-spec batch can halt an entire production line. That’s why supplier reliability is more critical than ever. Built-in quality assurance across Ryerson’s processing network ensures consistency from facility to facility.
And with one of the largest inventories of metal products in the industry, customers benefit from consistent availability, even when the broader market is tight.
Tariffs and Trade: Reducing Exposure to Policy Shifts
1. Diversification
Avoiding single-source dependencies can be foundational to mitigating supply risk. That’s why more manufacturers are looking to build networks of capable, U.S.-based suppliers who understand the specific requirements of their industries.
When it comes to metal fabricated parts, many manufacturers rely on outside suppliers not just for material, but for manufacturing capabilities that exceed their internal scope.
Ryerson supports these customers by managing raw material access, overseeing production, ensuring quality, and delivering finished parts ready for downstream operations.
2. Inventory Optimization
Carrying too much inventory can drain working capital. Too little, and you're vulnerable to stockouts and production delays. The answer lies in real-time visibility and strategic planning.
Ryerson helps customers maintain optimal inventory levels through demand planning tools and programs like just-in-time replenishment, tailored to each operation’s needs and seasonality.
3. Supplier Collaboration
The best supplier relationships don’t just fulfill orders, they proactively identify potential risks and opportunities. Whether it’s recommending material substitutions or helping with product design, close collaboration can reduce rework, shorten lead times, and improve outcomes.
Ryerson’s specialists work together with customers to co-develop solutions—from design for manufacturability to rapid prototyping—bringing new products to life faster and more cost-effectively.
How Ryerson Helps You Build a Risk-Ready Supply Chain
Our supply chain specialists will work with manufacturers to map risks, identify vulnerabilities, and implement proven mitigation strategies. This includes:
- Material substitution planning
- Multi-location supply routing
- Backup supplier identification
- Onshore/offshore cost comparisons
- Predictive analytics for demand shifts
By aligning supply chain strategy with real-world execution, Ryerson helps ensure operations stay one step ahead of disruption—and always moving forward.
Are you looking to build a resilient supply chain in the face of ongoing tariff uncertainty? Join an interactive discussion with the Ryerson Advanced Processing team around such topics as near-shoring strategies, manufacturing alternatives, and key solutions to mitigate risks and ensure continuity in your supply chain operations.
Register for this webinar
