Offshoring is the practice of locating some of a company’s manufacturing, services, or other processes in a country other than the country where the company is based. Offshoring is typically done to access lower-cost labor resources, labor resources with specific skills, and infrastructure, such as manufacturing plants.
In Rhode Island, there are no specific state statutes that directly regulate the practice of offshoring, as this practice is generally governed by federal law and international trade agreements. Companies in Rhode Island may choose to offshore parts of their operations for various reasons, including cost savings and access to specialized labor. However, they must comply with federal regulations such as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which has provisions affecting the taxation of foreign income and the repatriation of profits to the United States. Additionally, companies must adhere to international trade laws and treaties that the U.S. is a part of. While offshoring can lead to cost savings for companies, it may also result in local job losses, which can be a concern for state policymakers. Rhode Island businesses considering offshoring must also be mindful of the potential impact on their brand and customer perceptions, as well as any legal implications related to intellectual property, data protection, and labor laws in the destination country.