Lovely Speaks with The New York Times About US Manufacturing Jobs

September 26, 2022

The New York Times

Mary E. Lovely

Economics Department

China

COVID-19

Labor

United States

The New York Times

Mary E. Lovely

U.S. manufacturing is experiencing a rebound, with companies adding workers amid high consumer demand for products. Data suggest that the rebound is largely a product of the unique circumstances of the pandemic recession and recovery. COVID-19 crimped global supply chains, making domestic manufacturing more attractive to some companies.

Businesses are also beginning to question the wisdom of producing so many goods in China. The Chinese government’s insistence on a zero-COVID policy, despite the severe disruptions it has caused for the economy, has especially shaken many executives’ confidence in their ability to operate in China.

“The pandemic response by China has definitely prompted more than a rethink on where to put new money. I think we are actually beginning to see action,” says Mary Lovely, professor emerita of economics.

Read more in the New York Times article, "Factory Jobs Are Booming Like It’s the 1970s."