Tariffs didn’t bring manufacturing jobs back to the US

This section explores the ongoing chaos in global trade and the critical role of supply chain management software, specifically Altana. CEO Evan Smith discusses how recent geopolitical shifts, tariffs, and policy changes have made international trade more complex and unpredictable. Despite efforts like tariffs intended to bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S., actual outcomes have shown limited success, with supply chains rerouting through third-party countries rather than relocating manufacturing. The discussion emphasizes that trade remains vital for growth and security, and software solutions like Altana aim to enhance transparency, security, and resilience in these increasingly complicated networks.

This section delves into how agentic AI is transforming the way companies like Altana develop and manage software. Evan Smith explains the adoption of AI-powered workflows that accelerate decision-making, product development, and operational efficiency. The conversation highlights the shift from traditional roles to more integrated, convergent functions where designers, engineers, and product managers collaboratively build AI-driven systems. The focus is on improving the velocity, quality, and security of at-scale software deployment, especially in sensitive sectors like trade and government compliance.

The episode discusses recent trade policy changes, including tariffs and structural shifts in supply chains driven by geopolitical tensions, especially between the U.S. and its partners like China, Canada, and Mexico. Evan Smith explains how tariffs often do not achieve their intended political or economic objectives but instead lead to rerouting of shipments and increased complexity. He discusses the legal and strategic aspects of tariffs, their application, and the impact on industries such as autonomous systems and critical minerals. The conversation underscores that payoffs from these policies are mixed, and companies like Altana develop tools to navigate and optimize amid these turbulent conditions.

This section emphasizes the increasing intersection of trade management and military risks. Evan Smith highlights how strategic choke points like the Strait of Hormuz are not just commercial arteries but also potential flashpoints for conflict. He discusses how authoritarian regimes could weaponize resource control, turning economic tools into military leverage. The episode touches on the necessity of resilient, secure supply chain networks to prevent escalation and ensure stability, advocating for the use of AI to simulate and manage these risks.

Here, the focus is on the architectural challenges of creating interconnected global trade systems that respect sovereignty and data privacy. Evan Smith describes how Altana's federated data platform enables secure, permissioned sharing of supply chain information among diverse actors like governments, companies, and regulators. The platform balances transparency and confidentiality, fostering cooperation while protecting sensitive data. The discussion illustrates how software can serve as a market-creating, trust-building element in navigating complex geopolitical landscapes.