At the Q4 Advanced Industries Council meeting, Conexus Indiana welcomed Erin McLaughlin, Senior Economist at The Conference Board, for a timely briefing on the economic trends shaping the advanced manufacturing and logistics industries in Indiana.
As global trade dynamics continue to shift, McLaughlin provided council partners with an exclusive look at how current policies, tariffs and economic indicators are influencing industry leaders and what to expect in 2026 and 2027. Her remarks offered a clear view of the forces affecting supply chains, inflation and workforce availability, all through the lens of the advanced industries.
A few key themes McLaughlin explored included:
- Stability in trade deals and tariff policies through most of 2026, along with the political and economic factors shaping potential adjustments during the midterm cycle.
- Shifting global trade relationships with China, Mexico, Vietnam and Canada, and the implications for U.S. manufacturers navigating changing import and export dynamics.
- Ongoing supply chain realignment, with more than 78% of CEOs planning changes in the next 3–5 years (according to The Conference Board data) and increasing focus on onshoring, nearshoring and infrastructure readiness.
- Labor shortages and demographic pressures that are accelerating the adoption of advanced technology and AI as critical tools for long-term competitiveness.
McLaughlin’s data-driven perspective and ability to translate complex economic signals into actionable insights helped attendees understand not only where the economy stands today but how business leaders are preparing for tomorrow.
Industry professionals interested in future briefings through the Advanced Industries Council can learn more here.
Conexus Indiana formally joined The Conference Board’s CEO Network and its Research Insights program, opening the door to a new pipeline of national data, sector-specific economic analysis and peer learning. This partnership gives Conexus and its Council direct access to the same insights used by Fortune 500 executives to shape long-term strategy.
