As we move into 2026, the global manufacturing landscape is shifting under our feet. In this episode of The ISO Show, we are diving into a paradox: while manufacturing and critical services are rapidly returning to the United States (reshoring), our national infrastructure for quality management is lagging behind our global competitors.

The Problem: The Reshoring “Quality Gap”

Recent global disruptions—from the 2020 pandemic to the geopolitical shifts of 2024 and 2025—have forced a resurgence of manufacturing in the U.S. Companies are pulling operations back from Mexico, China, and Canada to secure their supply chains.¹

However, there is a significant hurdle. Of the Top 10 countries with the most ISO 9001 certifications, the United States ranks only 8th or 9th.

The Numbers: A National Security Concern?

To understand the scale of this vulnerability, look at the data. While the U.S. economy is massive, our commitment to standardized quality systems is surprisingly low compared to our trade partners:

The United States has approximately 600,000 manufacturing companies. With only 29,000 certifications, less than 5% of U.S. manufacturers are ISO 9001 certified.

The Risk: 571,000 Uncertified Companies

This leaves roughly 571,000 companies operating without an internationally recognized Quality Management System (QMS). As manufacturing returns to our shores, we face a massive capacity issue.

…..• Operational Drag: Without ISO 9001, companies often lack the repeatable processes needed to scale quickly.

…..• Supply Chain Fragility: COVID-19 proved that a fragmented supply chain is a national security risk. If 95% of our domestic manufacturers aren’t following a standardized quality framework, our “rebuilt” supply chain remains vulnerable.

The Opportunity: A Patriotic Act of Quality

For these 571,000 companies, this isn’t just a compliance “to-do” list—it is one of the biggest business opportunities in decades.

Fully embracing the ISO 9001:2026 revision is more than a strategic move; it is a way to ensure that when critical services return to the U.S., they stay here. Improving our national quality standards is, in many ways, one of the most patriotic acts a business owner can perform for the American economy.

About The Author

Oscar Combs is the President of The ISO 9001 Group, a consulting, auditing and training company headquartered in Houston, Texas. With over 31 years of experience in the field, he is recognized as an expert in the implementation of management systems that help organizations manage risk and improve operational efficiency.

The ISO 9001 Group

The ISO 9001 Group is a business and management systems consulting, auditing and training firm headquartered in Houston, Texas with 5 regional resources in Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, New York, and Portland. Contact us at info@iso9001group.com for more information or www.iso9001group.com.

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