Domestic Production

Unusual Machines (UMAC) has appointed Nathaniel Kennedy as VP of Marketing to lead multi-brand strategy amid domestic production growth. Kennedy, reporting to EVP Stacy Wright, brings 25+ years of experience in e-commerce and digital transformation. He will oversee marketing for Rotor Riot, Fat Shark, and UMAC’s broader portfolio, focusing on defense and enterprise sectors. UMAC, a provider of NDAA-compliant drone components, aims to capitalize on the expanding U.S. drone market, valued at $17.5B and projected to reach $115B by 2032.

China’s semiconductor industry achieved a milestone with the rollout of the first domestically produced 28nm Critical Dimension Electron Beam Metrology equipment in Wuxi. Developed by Wuxi Gonsin Instruments, the CD-SEM features complete self-reliance in key components. This advancement addresses critical challenges in semiconductor metrology and inspection, filling a vital gap in China’s integrated circuit industry and enhancing self-sufficiency in high-end chip equipment. Gonsin aims to provide comprehensive CD-SEM solutions for diverse semiconductor manufacturing needs.

Former President Donald Trump intervened during his Middle East tour to halt Apple’s India manufacturing expansion, urging Tim Cook to prioritize U.S. production amid rising import tariffs that could increase iPhone prices for American consumers by $190. Despite India’s 60% year-on-year production growth (valued at $2.2 billion) and intensified Foxconn investments there, 80% of iPhones shipped to the U.S. remain China-made. Trump’s tariff threats cost Apple $900 million in Q1 projections, with shares dropping 15% YTD versus the Nasdaq’s 12% gain. Analysts question whether achieving Washington’s domestic manufacturing goals—including 3nm chips and iOS 19 features—can avoid disrupting geopolitical dynamics and investor expectations.