Globalisation has undoubtedly played some role in the loss of five million US manufacturing jobs over the past 15 years. But the evidence suggests that rapid productivity growth driven by automation has also been a key factor. Accordingly, the Trump administration’s plans to use protectionist policies to boost manufacturing employment are unlikely to succeed.
Subscriber content
Read this in full, free
Start a free trial and use one of your 10 free starter credits to unlock this piece.