U.S. Manufacturing: Output vs. Jobs Since 1975

This week, Veronique de Rugy examines changes in employment and productivity in the American manufacturing sector.  Since 1975, manufacturing output has more than doubled, while employment in the sector has  decreased by 31%. While these American job losses are indeed sobering, they are not an indication of declining U.S. competitiveness.  In fact, these statistics reveal that the average American manufacturer is over three times more productive today than they were in 1975 – a sure sign of economic progress.

The true cause of dwindling American competitiveness is a tax code that puts domestic firms at a clear disadvantage – not a lack of skill or innovation on the part of the American worker.

Veronique de Rugy explains why the price of our tax code is hurting American jobs at Reason Online.