Global manufacturing has always been dynamic, but today, we are facing what can only be described as a sea change. Technology-intensive processes being developed in the United States and abroad are helping to drive competitiveness by increasing research, development and manufacturing efficiency. Additionally, challenges to the economy (not the least of which is the COVID-19 pandemic) have wrought other developments that will impact not only the ongoing push for reshoring but the increasingly competitive drive to develop a vaccine. At the same time, companies are striving to keep customers satisfied and to continue to attract a skilled workforce. This issue covers all these topics and we invite you to read on.
In 2019, the United States imported goods valued at about $2.5 trillion from its international trading partners and exported $1.65 trillion abroad. Trillions more in domestic products were shipped inside U.S. borders. All these goods flowed through American sea and river ports, road or rail, and airports. more....