Reviving Manufacturing Isn’t the Answer

By George Leef

Friday, May 30, 2025

 

The leftists have their slogans designed to attract supporters, such as “we must save the environment” and “we need to bring about social justice.” Trump knows how to counter them. He has his own set of slogans, meant to appeal to a different set of Americans. The one he’s been flogging all year is the notion that the country will be much better off if only we can “bring back American manufacturing.” Supposedly, that’s the key to greater prosperity — making more things, with good, steady jobs in factories. But that claim is just as empty as those of the left.

 

In this AIER article, Vance Ginn looks at the state of manufacturing and employment in the U.S. and finds no reason to think that Trump’s policies will accomplish anything good.

 

He writes:

 

The average hourly earnings in manufacturing were $35.06, below the overall private sector’s $36.14. The only reason manufacturing’s weekly pay looks stronger is because factory workers are logging more hours — not earning higher rates.

 

This contradicts the popular talking point that manufacturing offers uniquely “good jobs.” They’re decent, sure — but not disproportionately better than other sectors. And certainly not enough to justify government favoritism.

 

Contrary to popular belief, America still makes lots of stuff, and many people work in manufacturing. But there is no reason to think that we need any dirigiste policies to expand such employment.

 

Rather than blunderbuss trade interference, the policy moves that would be beneficial are truly liberal ones. Ginn suggests:

 

·        Cut marginal tax rates on both labor and capital, especially at the state level.

 

·        Eliminate crony subsidies that reward political connections over performance.

 

·        Deregulate labor markets, making it easier to hire, fire, and negotiate flexible work arrangements.

 

·        Expand school choice and skills-based education, not just degrees.

 

·        End protectionist tariffs that raise prices for consumers and penalize supply chain resilience.

 

Eminently sound advice.