Behind the Record Growth of US Manufacturing: How the Labor Gap Becomes the Biggest Constraint in the Next Stage
The value added of U.S. manufacturing reached a record $2.91 trillion in 2024, factory construction spending doubled, and foreign direct investment surpassed $2.42 trillion. However, labor shortages are becoming a key bottleneck constraining growth. This article analyzes the contradiction between manufacturing expansion and the human resources gap, exploring policy responses and future trends.