Exploring the Primary Drivers and Implications of Global Backshoring in Manufacturing Relocation

This thesis investigates the emerging trend of backshoring in manufacturing, beginning with a comprehensive literature review to establish the current academic understanding of the topic. It delves into the factors influencing companies to relocate manufacturing back to their home countries, the challenges faced during this process, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on these decisions. The thesis employs a case study methodology, analyzing the backshoring decisions of companies like Walmart, Zentech, and Apple. The findings highlight the complexity of backshoring, underscoring the need for industry-specific data, consideration of global political contexts, and understanding of managerial decision-making processes. This comprehensive study contributes to the academic discourse on global manufacturing trends, especially in the context of globalization, economic shifts, and recent global crises.