EP5.5: Can Manufacturing Bring Jobs Back?

I originally scribbled this in 2019…

Here’s a clean look at that graphic from the video. The percentages are illustrative, but echo the wage data below:

Today, it’s more relevant than ever. To manufacture a TV, phone, or router in the US—at a price consumers are willing and able to pay—companies would need to automate. Especially, given the differential in pay for factory workers. Here’s a comparison from Apollo of top manufacturing nations:

Some industries, like textiles, pay workers so little that competing with them is inconceivable, even with automation: