J-Star shares surge 13.64% premarket after announcing strategic exit from China operations and U.S. expansion.

J-Star Holding (YMAT) surged 13.64% in premarket trading following its announcement to strategically exit China operations and prioritize U.S. expansion, automation, and innovation-driven growth. The company cited heightened geopolitical risks and regulatory uncertainties in China as key drivers for the shift, which includes writing off $1.7 million in Chinese investments and dissolving an inactive subsidiary. By establishing an automated production line in the U.S. and adopting an asset-light model, J-Star aims to enhance operational efficiency, supply-chain resilience, and long-term competitiveness. The move aligns with broader trends of global manufacturers reducing China exposure, and investors appear to view the strategic realignment as a proactive step to mitigate risks and capitalize on U.S. market opportunities, despite short-term restructuring costs.