Survival Strategies for Companies in the Era of Protectionism
Creatrip Team
a year ago
With the return of Donald Trump to the White House in 2025, the U.S. has strengthened its protectionist stance, affecting international supply chains and impacting economies reliant on exports to the U.S., such as South Korea. The Netflix documentary 'American Factory', supported by Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, illustrates the challenges companies face when sticking to familiar business practices in foreign markets. Fuyao, a Chinese company that set up operations in the U.S., struggled due to incompatible management styles and labor practices, leading to conflicts and decreased productivity. In contrast, Toyota successfully adapted its operations to the American market by emphasizing collaboration with local workers and flexibility in management. This highlights the importance of localizing production models, respecting labor rights, and pursuing sustainable technological innovations for companies to thrive in a protectionist landscape. The documentary suggests that companies should innovate their strategies, focusing on localization and cooperation with local employees to navigate the increasingly protectionist global market effectively.
