The United States, once a powerhouse of manufacturing, has seen its factories close and jobs disappear over the years. Many blame globalization and competition from countries like China. But is that the whole story?
When Donald Trump became president, he promised to bring back manufacturing jobs by imposing tariffs on imports. The idea was to make foreign goods more expensive and encourage companies to produce in the U.S. However, this approach missed some key issues.
A big problem is that the U.S. hasn’t invested enough in innovation and technology. Back in the 1960s, President John F. Kennedy’s mission to land a man on the Moon ignited a boom in science and technology. It created jobs, new industries, and inspired a generation to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
But after that era, the momentum slowed down. Instead of continuing to push for technological advancements and education, focus shifted to making quick profits. Many companies moved factories overseas to cut costs, leaving American workers behind.
Automation—machines doing jobs humans used to do—also reduced manufacturing jobs. Yet, instead of retraining workers or investing in new industries, policies often blamed others for these changes.
Additionally, strict export rules have prevented the U.S. from sharing and trading high-tech products with other countries. For instance, China’s growth offers chances for partnership, but viewing China strictly as a competitor blocks potential benefits.
To turn things around, the U.S. could focus on cooperation and innovation. By working with other countries and investing in technology, education, and infrastructure, there’s an opportunity to revitalize the manufacturing sector and create new jobs.
Pointing fingers won’t fix the problem. Acknowledging the internal issues and choosing to collaborate could pave the way for a stronger economy and a better future.
