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Yes and no. There’s a limited number of manufacturing jobs returning.
Some manufacturing jobs have returned to the U.S. But it is more of a mix that is termed “friendshoring.” A lot of jobs have shifted to Mexico and Vietnam.
The global leader in technology jobs is still America. It hosts the largest tech companies, which translates into having the largest global workforce in technology. This, despite massive layoffs and more hiring in small countries.
There are more than 16.1 million tech workers. That’s about 7.25 percent of Americans workers. Of course, in considering economic health and employment opportunities, information technology employment aids the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) — the total value of finished goods and services.
Far ahead of Asia or Europe, IT salaries are the highest in the U.S. partly because of artificial intelligence (AI). The U.S. is No. 1 in AI and quantum computing (i.e. IBM, Google and Microsoft).
The U.S. is No. 1 in AI and quantum computing (i.e. IBM, Google and Microsoft).
However, there are fewer job listings and there have been ongoing layoffs in recent years. There have been marketplace changes and heavy competition for entry-level tech jobs according to the Computing Technology Industry Association.
Why?
U.S. companies tend to hire skilled tech workers at lower cost from other countries. Workers from India have mostly benefited from this trend. The most sought after workers are in AI and cybersecurity.
Meantime, the U.S. has entered an age of automation and wage disparity. Manufacturing wages remain very high compared to other countries. As a result, more and more U.S. companies are investing in automation instead of hiring assembly workers.
To the rescue, the 2022 $280-billion CHIPs and Science Act. It aids domestic semiconductor manufacturing and scientific research. Some $52.7 billion was earmarked to combat foreign competition.
Inflation Reduction Act that was supposed to lower the massive federal deficit, healthcare and prescription costs, and for wasteful climate change spending.
Also passed that same year was the Inflation Reduction Act that was supposed to lower the massive federal deficit, healthcare and prescription costs, and for wasteful climate change spending.
Even though factory construction is a tedious, long-term process, the two laws have inspired investments in AI and electronics.
Again, the trade deficit with China has only been slightly eased because manufacturing has shifted to other countries instead of coming to America.
In essence, President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have maintained a fragile economic truce. The main obstacle are tariffs, rare earth restriction and exporting of technology.
So regarding the Trump Administration’s efforts to reset the balance of trade with China to further create jobs, the jury is still out. But there’s significant progress in recovering from the disastrous Biden years.
President Trump’s policies have lowered the unemployment rate to 4.2 percent, according to the latest Federal Reserve Economic Data from Q1 2026. China’s nominal GDP is approximately $20.85 trillion.
Let’s hope the trends remain positive. But more than political rhetoric, we need to balance the federal budget and elect competent politicians. If the right public policies are implemented, political and economic liberties will improve for everyone.
From the Coach’s Corner, here are more Biz Coach thoughts on job creation:
Artificial Intelligence: U.S. Lags Behind in Educating Students – Study — America’s educators rank just ninth among all nations in terms of preparing students for the real world of automation, according to a study released by a research group associated with The Economist magazine. Here are some solutions.
Both Democrats and Republicans Endanger U.S. Economy — Have we not learned any lessons from the horrors of the Great Recession from a decade ago? Apparently not.
Earnings Are Important, But Psychology and Reforms Matter — Much has been written about the growth of the stock market and U.S. economy. Three percent growth has returned in the gross domestic product. Tech has played a role. But a red flag has emerged as an obstacle.
No Thanks to Bad Policy and Journalists, Handcuffs Coming Off — TWith economic handcuffs coming off, the nation’s economy will continue its strong growth if we capitalize on lessons from the common-sense economic-growth policies of two late presidents.
“I don’t make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts.”
-Will Rogers
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