Enhancing the stability of the global industrial chain is essential for promoting high-quality economic development. The impact of tariff shocks on the stability and resilience of industrial chains were examined by integrating tariff data (WITS), the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), and OECD-ICIO data. The results find that tariff shocks increase industrial chain volatility and reduce stability. Furthermore, incorporating manufacturing intelligence can reduce industrial chain volatility and enhance stability despite the impact of tariff shocks. Mechanism tests indicate that tariff shocks significantly undermine economies of scale, technological innovation and human capital levels, thereby increasing industrial chain volatility and reducing stability. Heterogeneity tests reveal that tariff shocks reduce industrial chain stability in high-, medium-high-, and medium-tech manufacturing industries. Manufacturing intelligence, under the influence of tariffs, is shown to enhance industrial chain stability in these sectors, exerting a stabilizing effect. Further analysis reveals that while tariff shocks slow the development of manufacturing intelligence, they fail to deter sustained intelligent innovation in high-tech manufacturing industries. The research provides important theoretical support for a deeper understanding of trade protection measures such as tariffs and the "AI+" initiative. It also offers a scientific basis for a comprehensive understanding of global industrial chains and building a modern industrial system, which thus holds important policy implications.