The strengths of American manufacturing:

• Manufacturing is the largest contributor to economic growth;
• Manufacturing employees receive better compensation;
• Rewarding jobs and careers that pay 18 percent more than the national average;
  Health care coverage is the highest in the private sector;
• Formidable research and development, accounting for two-thirds of all R& D;
  Manufacturing produces productivity increases that reduce costs, raise the standard of living and keeps inflation low;
• Our international competitiveness helps the nation pay for its sizeable imports, increases the number of high paying jobs and stimulates innovation;
• A multiplier effect creates 8 million additional jobs in other sectors;
• Manufacturing supports state and local economies.

Obstacle to the future of American manufacturing:

• External overhead costs from taxes, health and pension benefits, tort litigation, regulations and rising material prices add approximately 22 percent to U.S. manufacturers unit labor costs;
• The value of the excess cost burden on U.S. manufacturers (nearly $5.00 per hour) is almost the total raw material cost index for China ;
• Developing trading partners (China, South Korea and Taiwan ) are orienting themselves toward high end manufactured goods such as machinery, telcom equipment, office machines, etc.
• States tax corporate income at a higher rate than all major trading partners;
• Other countries spending less on pollution abatement and worker safety.
  
  We must compete in a global economy. Manufacturing helps us to maintain a high standard of living and is critical to the future of our country.. Think about its importance before buying.
  
  
  Source of data: National Association of Manufacturers