As the U.S. accelerates efforts to decouple from China, the global economy stands at a crossroads. Can the U.S. truly reduce its reliance on Chinese manufacturing and supply chains without significantly raising costs for businesses and consumers? The Decoupling Dilemma Decoupling sounds straightforward—shift supply chains, invest in local manufacturing, and rely on allied nations. But the reality is more complex: Cost Pressures: Products sourced from alternative regions often come at a higher cost due to less-developed infrastructure and higher labor expenses. Time Lag: Building new supply chains takes years, during which businesses risk shortages and production delays. Consumer Impact: Higher costs often translate to pricier goods, fueling domestic inflation—a politically sensitive issue