Made in America: Manufacturing trends examine technology, reshoring efforts
by December 28, 2015 7:48 am 214 views
CHANGES IN MANUFACTURING HIGHLIGHT 2016 GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY PREDICTIONS: Shifts in global technology manufacturing trends and processes – with an even greater emphasis on the manufacturing powerhouse of China – will drive the global technology industry to even greater heights in 2016, according to a new white paper from IHS Inc.
Recent advances in flexible display technology are inspiring innovation in wearable devices and other products. With the availability of thinner, lighter and bendable displays that are less prone to breakage, new opportunities are abundant for mobile and wearable devices. These are evident in TVs, smartphones, tablets, smart watches and fitness trackers that employ curved displays and are here to stay in 2016 and beyond. To download the complimentary white paper, visit here.
U.S. MANUFACTURING RESHORING TREND HAS SUBSIDED: The annual A.T. Kearney U.S. Reshoring Index shows that for the fourth consecutive year, reshoring of manufacturing operations to the United States has once again failed to keep up with offshoring. In 2015 the Index dropped to -115, down from -30 in 2014, and represents the largest year-over-year decrease in the last 10 years.
In fact, the 2014 U.S. Reshoring Index showed that the rate of reshoring actually lagged that of offshoring between 2009 and 2013, as the growth of overall domestic U.S. manufacturing activity failed to keep pace with the import of offshore manufactured goods over the five-year period. The one exception was 2011. The A.T. Kearney U.S. Reshoring Database, which holds roughly 700 reshoring cases that have been announced over the last five years, is forecasting only around 60 reshoring cases for 2015, which is a considerable drop from 2013 (210 cases) and 2014 (208 cases). To view other highlights of the report, click here.
U.S. TRADE OFFICE ISSUES 2015 REPORT ON U.S.-CHINESE TRADE: The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative presented to Congress the 2015 annual report on China’s compliance with its World Trade Organization (WTO) obligations. The report is statutorily mandated by Congress and highlights the status of China’s policies and practices in the areas of trade and investment.
According to the report’s executive summary, since China acceded to the WTO 14 years ago and began implementing the numerous commitments that it made, the data confirm a dramatic expansion in trade and investment among China and its many trading partners, including the United States. U.S. goods exports to China have increased 545% since 2001, and services exports have increased 733% in that time.
TRUECAR: U.S. NEW AUTO SALES PROJECTED TO REACH RECORD 17.5 MILLION UNITS – TrueCar Inc. projects total new vehicle sales, including fleet deliveries, will reach 1,699,600 units in December, a 12.8% increase from a year ago and the highest ever for the month. The likely growth this month will push total annual light vehicle sales to a record 17.5 million units, up 6.1% from a year ago.
Continued consumer demand, favorable economic conditions and widespread year-end and holiday promotions should lift retail sales 14.2% to 1,458,400 units. Looking ahead to 2016, sales of new vehicles should continue to climb. For more industry analysis, click here.