Where Should You Manufacture Your Retail Display Campaign in 2026?
2025 was a year defined by supply chain shifts and tariff uncertainties. As we begin 2026, people are rightfully questioning where they should manufacture their Point of Purchase (POP) displays.
The right location to manufacture your displays depends on a number of variables including materials, complexity, volume, and your risk tolerance. There is no single “best” country for every project. At Concord Displays, we help our clients navigate these trade-offs daily.
Below is a breakdown of the three major manufacturing hubs, the U.S., Mexico, and China, and how to decide which is right for your next POP display rollout.
1. United States Manufacturing: Speed & Reliability
Domestic manufacturing has evolved significantly over the last decade. While U.S. labor rates are higher, the “total all-in cost” often narrows when you factor in logistics and risk.
The “Hidden” Cost of Materials
It’s also worth noting that U.S. manufacturing costs aren’t driven by labor alone. Raw materials, particularly steel and aluminum, have risen domestically as a result of tariffs on imported metals. For some, the added cost is a trade-off they’re willing to make to reduce timing and logistics risk.
When to choose the U.S.:
- Rapid Launch Windows: If you have a national campaign launching in 4–6 weeks, domestic production is often your only viable option.
- Lower Logistics Risk: You eliminate the variables of ocean freight, port strikes, and customs holds.
- Complex Prototyping: Projects that require rapid samples are best handled locally to avoid weeks of shipping samples back and forth.
2. Mexico Manufacturing: The “Nearshoring” Advantage
Mexico has emerged as the standout winner for North American companies in 2025. Thanks to the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), goods that meet specific “rules of origin” requirements can often enter the U.S. with only 50% of raw material cost, avoiding the extremely steep tariffs levied on Asian imports. This 50% tariff adds about 5-10% to the display’s total price depending how much of this material may be in a display.
Capabilities & Quality
One of our key Mexican partners operates over 100,000 square feet of manufacturing space that rivals any facility globally. Five years ago, they overhauled their entire plant to mirror the Toyota Production System (TPS). Toyota experts were brought in to optimize everything from raw material receiving to shipping logistics. Today, Toyota teams still perform annual inspections on the plant to certify that the operation maintains that elite standard of efficiency and quality control.
When to choose Mexico:
- Speed: Trucking from Mexico to US distribution centers only takes days. You can shave 3-4 weeks off a timeline compared to China.
- Lower Price: Leveraging the USMCA to avoid steep Section 301 tariffs.
- Mixed Materials: Excellent capabilities for complex displays combining wire, tube, sheet metal, and wood.
3. China Manufacturing: Volume & Scale
China remains the global powerhouse for large scale. While the “China price” isn’t as low as it was ten years ago due to rising Chinese labor costs and tariffs, it is still the leader for some programs.
The Reality of Tariffs
China faces the heaviest tariff burden. Tariffs remain a significant factor, adding 85% (or more) as of publishing to the cost of many retail displays. You must calculate if the lower unit cost in China is enough to offset these duties.
When to choose China:
- High Volume Rollouts: For orders in the thousands of units, the labor savings can still outweigh the tariff costs.
- Mature Quality Systems: Experienced factories have spent 15 years adapting to U.S. retail standards for packaging and assembly.
- Planning Horizons: If you plan your POP display campaign 4-5 months in advance, you can absorb the 8-9 week lead times (ocean freight + customs).
At a Glance: Global POP Display Manufacturing Comparison
| Feature | United States 🇺🇸 | Mexico 🇲🇽 | China 🇨🇳 |
| Lead Time | Shortest (4-6 weeks) | Fast (6-8 weeks) | Longest (12+ weeks) |
| Logistics Risk | Low (Trucking) | Low/Med (Trucking/Rail) | High (Ocean Freight) |
| Tariff Impact | Low (Raw material costs only) | Low (Raw material costs only, via USMCA)* | High (Section 301) |
| Labor Cost | $$$ | $$ | $ |
| Best For | Rush orders, complex prototypes | Nearshoring, speed-to-market | High volume, low complexity |
*Subject to complying with USMCA rules of origin.
The Tariff Landscape in 2026
Note: Trade policy is fluid. Always consult with us for the latest rates.
As we begin 2026, the trade environment remains complex. Here is the reality of the current situation:
- China (Section 301): The 85% tariffs on many Chinese imports (including steel components and certain plastics) remain in effect. For many retail programs, this surcharge erodes the labor savings China traditionally offers.
- Mexico (USMCA & Rules of Origin): Mexico remains the most stable option for duty-free import, but compliance is very strict. To qualify for zero duties under the USMCA, displays must meet specific “Rules of Origin”, which means that manufacturers cannot just ship Chinese parts to Mexico, repackage them, and cross the border duty-free. The 50% tariffs on raw materials add about 5-10% to the total display price.
- United States (Material Costs): While there are no import duties on domestic goods, U.S. raw material prices, particularly for steel and aluminum, have risen throughout 2025 as domestic mills adjust to protective tariffs on imported metals.
How Concord Displays Helps You Decide Where to Manufacture
The goal when choosing a manufacturing region is to balance total all-in cost and risk mitigation.
At Concord Displays, we:
- Compare regions: We quote your POP display campaign in the U.S., Mexico, and China simultaneously.
- Navigate compliance: We advise on how design choices (like a material’s thickness or origin) impact your tariff classification.
- Manage the supply chain: From the “Toyota-certified” floors in Mexico to our high-volume partners in Asia, we manage the quality control and logistics so you can make decisions with confidence.
Don’t let tariffs surprise your POP display budget. Contact us today to review your upcoming program, and we’ll help you determine the most strategic location to manufacture. You can reach us at info@concorddisplays.com or 626.824.3776.
About Concord Displays
Concord Displays is your single-source partner for in-store merchandising, POP displays and retail signage. We have thirty years of exceeding client expectations by delivering impactful POP display design and manufacturing service at a surprisingly affordable price.
