201. From China Dependency to North American Opportunity — with Patrick McGee

About this episode

Enrique Perret interviews Patrick McGee about the evolving dynamics of global supply chains and the implications for North America.

Recorded live at the North Capital Forum 2025, this special edition features Enrique Perret, Director of the US-Mexico Foundation, in conversation with Patrick McGee, author and analyst, for a timely deep dive into the shifting dynamics of global supply chains — especially between the United States and China. McGee, a former Financial Times correspondent and author of Apple in China, brings a fresh and nuanced perspective. Drawing on over 200 interviews, his book explores how Apple built its vast supply chain in China — and how, rather than China capturing Apple, it was China that adapted to North American standards. His narrative challenges common assumptions and reveals a more complex economic relationship. In this episode, they explore: • The current implications for tech manufacturing in China • How demographics and productivity are reshaping global industrial strategy • The rise of AllyShoring, and why Mexico is well positioned to play a central role in the new supply chain map This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of North American competitiveness in a rapidly changing global landscape.

People in this episode

Host: Enrique Perret

Guest: Patrick McGee

Topics covered

• global supply chains
• US-China relations
• tech manufacturing
• demographics
• productivity
• AllyShoring
• North American competitiveness

Keywords

• Apple in China
• supply chain
• industrial strategy
• Mexico

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Apple

Books & works: From China Dependency to North American Opportunity

Places: the United States, China, Mexico

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