Is the U.S. Friend‐Shoring, Nearshoring, or Reshoring? Evidence From Greenfield Investment Announcements

ABSTRACT

This paper examines the evolution of greenfield investment announcements—both domestic and international—for US multinational companies in response to recent global shocks. The results indicate an intensification of reshoring and nearshoring activities by US companies, especially following the Russian Federation's invasion of Ukraine. This shift is associated with an estimated doubling in announced direct jobs from greenfield investment in the US and its neighbouring countries. The paper finds no evidence that US companies are adopting a friend‐shoring strategy as greenfield investment announcements show no increase in allied countries. The paper suggests that US supply chains are likely to become less global and more regional as these investments become operational.