Pandora CEO Alexander Lacik has stated that relocating jewelry production to the United States is not feasible due to a severe shortage of skilled craft workers. The comment, reported by Fortune on June 14, 2026, underscores a critical challenge for jewelry brands considering nearshoring to the U.S. market. For overseas buyers and sourcing professionals, this highlights the continued reliance on established manufacturing hubs like Thailand and China for high-quality jewelry production.
Supply-chain impact
The CEO's remarks confirm that the U.S. lacks the artisan workforce needed for mass jewelry production, particularly for intricate craft skills like stone-setting and polishing. Pandora, which produces most of its jewelry in Thailand, has built a supply chain around that region's deep talent pool. This reality means that brands exploring U.S.-based manufacturing for supply-chain resilience may face prohibitive labor costs and quality gaps.
What buyers should watch
Importers and private-label buyers should monitor how major brands like Pandora navigate tariff and trade policies without shifting production. The talent shortage suggests that U.S. production will remain niche for high-end or custom pieces, while volume manufacturing stays in Asia. Buyers may see continued price stability from Asian suppliers, but should also watch for wage inflation in Thailand and Vietnam as demand for skilled labor grows.
Compliance and logistics signals
The lack of U.S. craft talent reinforces the importance of compliance with import regulations, including the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act and country-of-origin marking. Buyers should ensure their Asian suppliers maintain transparent labor practices and certifications. Logistics strategies should account for longer lead times from Asia, as nearshoring to the U.S. is unlikely to become a viable alternative for most jewelry categories in the near term.
China sourcing context
While Pandora's production is centered in Thailand, China remains the world's largest jewelry manufacturing hub, especially for silver, gold-plated brass, and stainless steel items. The CEO's comments indirectly support China's competitive advantage in scale and skilled labor. For buyers sourcing from China, this reinforces the value of established supply chains in Guangdong and Zhejiang provinces, where craft expertise is abundant and costs remain competitive.
Source: Read the original report | Published: June 14, 2026