KERA's Think Why it’s hard to make stuff in the U.S.
Jun 25, 2025
In this engaging discussion, journalist Rachel Slade, author of 'Making It in America,' tackles the tough landscape of U.S. manufacturing. She dives into the challenges small businesses face when trying to source American-made products and how regulations hinder progress. Slade also emphasizes the potential role of labor unions in revitalizing jobs. With insights into the impact of consumer habits and the ethical considerations of cheap fashion, she advocates for a renaissance in American manufacturing to boost transparency and worker rights.
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Hamilton's 3 Pillars to Build Manufacturing
- Alexander Hamilton's industrial policies built on tariffs, a national bank, and American-controlled shipping.
- The Jones Act still enforces American shipbuilding and manning laws, key to U.S. manufacturing history.
Labor Laws vs Offshoring Trade-off
- Labor laws raise manufacturing costs but protect workers' wages and safety.
- Offshoring grew as other countries offered cheaper labor without such protections.
Consumer Price Focus Hurts U.S. Manufacturing
- Shift to focus on consumer prices favored consolidation and pressured manufacturers to offshore.
- Large buyers like Walmart forced price cuts, accelerating U.S. manufacturing decline.
