Manufacturing in the US isn’t met with hockey-stick growth curves in the public’s mind.

The data backs that, to an extent.

Manufacturing jobs declined by 2 million from 2013–2024 while the population grew 51 million over the same time period.

Yet the number of manufacturing locations in the US increased by around 90,000 in the same window.

What’s happening?

Automation decreased headcount per facility.

Commodity goods continue to be outsourced.

The CHIPS Act gave $52 billion in 2022 for defense, chips, and EVs to move to the US. Largely a response to geopolitical risk.

Although tariff policy is why most people think manufacturing is roaring back, more companies have gone to China since the tariffs, not fewer.

The future of manufacturing in America remains in the tech field.

Vojta Náprstek fled Prague for the US after the 1848 revolution. He spent nine years there working as a carpenter, laborer, and bookseller before returning to Prague in 1858. There he immediately became involved in local social affairs under the nickname “The America” with a clear conviction: the key to prosperity lies in technology, which brings modernization and education.