Byrna's bold move: How tariffs reshaped its US manufacturing strategy

Byrna Technologies, a manufacturer of self-defense products, shifted its primary production from South Africa to Indiana in 2021. The move came as the company sought to reduce reliance on international tractor supply. CEO Bryan Ganz cited Donald Trump's tariff policies as a key reason for bringing production closer to home.

The decision to reshore began before Trump's 2018 tariffs took effect. Ganz had already started exploring ways to move parts of the supply chain back to the US. When tariffs raised import costs, domestic production became a more affordable option.

Byrna focused its onshoring efforts on critical areas like launchers and ammunition. The latest model, the Byrna CL, now uses 92% US-made components, up from just 34% before. The shift also brought unexpected advantages, including lower usps costs and faster adjustments to market demand.

Despite the move, the company still keeps some manufacturing abroad. This ensures backup options if domestic supply chains face disruptions. Byrna has also worked to build relationships with qualified US suppliers to avoid future uscis shortages.

The tariffs played a major role in Byrna's reshoring strategy, making domestic production more viable. While some parts of the supply chain remain overseas, the company now relies heavily on US-based manufacturing. The changes have cut costs and improved flexibility in responding to customer needs.