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The article examines future economic conditions within the U.S. The nation has begun losing many large-scale high-tech manufacturing firms, which are choosing to relocate to Asian nations such as Malaysia, China and Singapore due to lower taxes and more generous government incentives. It is attested that tax reforms, low-cost loans and industrial zoning measures may help to keep factories in the U.S. INSET: LOSING OUT ON FLEXIBLE DISPLAYS.

Discusses why U.S. manufacturers should worry about competition from China. Impact of Chinese imports on American manufacturing; Concerns of manufacturers and workers over China's low wages and high technology; Signs of a possible massive shift in economic power; Dispute over the economic relationship between the U.S. and China; Issue of outsourcing; Question of America's huge trade deficit; Observation that U.S. companies are no longer investing in new capacity at home; China's enormous domestic market and expansion of their export base; China's competitive advantages; How key elements of the U.S. industrial base are eroding; Areas where the Chinese have huge ambitions, including digital technologies. INSETS: THE CHINA CHALLENGE;THE CHINA PRICE.

As election 2004 heads into the home stretch amid signs of another photo finish, strategists for both major parties say the race will likely be determined in pockets such as the thriving Interstate 4 corridor that links Tampa and Orlando. With an electorate polarized by Bush-besotted Republicans and Bush-loathing Democrats, a small group of two-income households--economically squeezed and strongly pro-military--holds the key to the White House. George W. Bush and John Kerry are lavishing an enormous amount of time and money on New Mexico, Missouri, and Oregon -- and blitzing Ohio and Pennsylvania. Florida, once part of the solidly Democratic South, is now a crucial swing state. America in 2004 is confronted with profound questions of war and peace, and there is a stark contrast between the GOP vision of an entrepreneurial "ownership society" and the Democrats' new middle-class safety net. Why in a land that extols the ideal of equality are some votes more equal than others? A key reason is the unusual way we pick our President. Americans do not directly tap a leader -- we vote for state electors, super-representatives who select a winner by casting ballots in the Electoral College. The location of the key swing voters also helps shape our political discourse. Ever wonder why there's so much talk about the decline of U.S. manufacturing? One reason is that seven industrial battleground states with 79 electoral votes will likely tip the election. Meanwhile, states with predictable partisan voting, such as New York (Democratic) and Utah (Republican) have seen their influence shrink. That's why Kerry won't be spending much time by the Great Salt Lake this year. But by focusing on the Gray Zone, the major parties are reinforcing the cycle of uncompetitiveness in Red and Blue states. And indifference at the Presidential level hurts each party's chances in local contests.

Argues that China cannot be blamed for job losses in the United States. Loss of millions of manufacturing jobs in the U.S.; Moves in Congress to impose punishing tariffs on U.S. imports from China; Interdependence of U.S. and China's manufacturing; Pressure on U.S. companies to capitalize on cheap labor and fast-growing economy in China; Compliance with World Trade Organization regulations; Decline in U.S. manufacturing employment since 1979; Importance of fostering a good relationship between the U.S. and China.

Presents a critical analysis of how Wal-Mart, the world's largest company, has come to dominate the retail market in the United States and, increasingly, abroad. Details of Wal-Mart's market size and its earnings; Cost savings to consumer due to the "Wal-Mart effect"; Wal-Mart's extreme cost efficiencies; Company's anti-union stance and its labor relations problems; Lawsuits filed by employees against Wal-Mart for poor pay and discrimination; Complaints by a number of groups against Wal-Mart, including its competitors, organized labor, community activists and its own suppliers; Comments by Wal-Mart executives about the challenges of rapid growth; Charges that the company refuses to sell products not in line with its conservative views; Questions about whether Wal-Mart can succeed in urban markets; Company's supercenters, combining grocery stores with general merchandise stores; Criticism by suppliers that Wal-Mart is forcing down quality standards; Charge that Wal-Mart is helping to drive U.S. manufacturing companies out of business by selling large quantities of foreign goods; Speculation about whether Wal-Mart will eventually be beaten by a new retail model. INSETS: The Long Arm of Bentonville, Ark.;Wal-Mart by the Numbers.

Focuses on the operation of foreign automobile companies in the U.S. Belief that foreign corporations are improving the car business in the U.S.; Competition from Asia and Europe which is forcing a transformation in the way cars and trucks are designed and built; Importance of automobile manufacturing to the U.S. economy; Idea that foreign auto makers produce better and cheaper cars.

Reports that there may be a stronger-than-expected recovery from the 2001 recession in the United States. How every economic report for January and February 2002 has beaten forecasts; View that first-half growth could be three or four times better than expected; The rise in industrial output which should lead to gains in jobs and income; Recoveries in profits and capital spending; Why chief executive officers are cautiously optimistic.

This article presents the economic outlook for various industries in the U.S. for 2002. There is little doubt that the economy will rebound from the recession in the next months. The combination of deep interest-rate cuts by the Federal Reserve and the 2001 tax-rate reductions should have the intended effect of warding off a precipitous downturn. In the manufacturing industry, orders for airliners are falling. For the information technology sector, there is slow growth for business computer software. INSET: DATA GUIDE.

The article discusses the effects of product liability laws in the U.S. on product prices as of February 1979. It states that previously, manufacturers were liable for poorly made products if they caused damage or injury. In California, however, laws were implemented punishing manufacturers even for well made products if they caused harm to consumers who used them improperly. As a result, producers have had to acquire liability insurance, adding such cost to products. Previously, these added 1% to a product's cost, currently, they have risen by 1,000%.

The article focuses on the developments in the shuttle technology in the U.S. in 1977, which is said to open the space field for the U.S. manufacturing industry. It discusses the prospects for the shuttle technology, with the space shuttle that is by far the most significant development in the U.S. space program within 20 years, which is scheduled for its free-flight test that would cover about eight miles around the globe. Moreover, it explores the future of space manufacturing.

The article reports on a new trend in U.S. manufacturing in which small, low-cost minicomputers are working in factories doing repetitive, specialized jobs as small as running a single machine tool, or testing anything from carburetors to cigarettes. As reported, the earliest attempts at running multiple operations were made in the big process industries such as oil refining, power generating, and chemical production.

The article focuses on the developments in the U.S. motorcycle manufacturing industry. It reports that the U.S. motorcycle manufacturers Harley-Davidson motor Co. and Indian Motorcycle Co. have started manufacturing lightweight models of motorcycles. It further discusses business planning of Harley-Davidson and Indian on manufacturing and marketing of light motorcycles in the U.S.

The article offers information on a survey of manufacturing industry's capital expenditures conducted by the Department of Economics and the Research Department of the McGraw-Hill Publishing Co. Inc. It interprets the figures of the survey, focusing on capital expenditures in plant and equipment and expansion programs. Moreover, the survey demonstrated where the money of the industry comes from.

The article offers a summary of federal rules and regulations on priorities, allocations, price control and transportation in the U.S. in 1944. Iron and steel have been allowed for any lamp part. The Office of Price Administration (OPA) has permitted more hotel and rooming house operators to seek relief from quota regulations on rooms to be held for weekly or monthly occupancy. Restrictions on placing unrated or nonauthorized orders for manufacturing machinery equipment were imposed by the War Production Board (WPB).

The article reports that an increase of wool production is needed in the U.S. as 3,600,000 soldiers are required by the end of 1942. It mentions that over a billion pounds of wool have been consumed in 1941. It notes that the yardage of wool cloth available for civilian clothing has been minimized as consumption of wool by manufacturers is restricted.

The article focuses on the concept of pool bids to gain defense contracts in the U.S. The concept was conceived by manufacturer W.S. Shipley. It is stated that if a manufacturer does not have the sufficient lathes and presses to get a prime contract, two or three other manufacturers can supply the tools and share the contract. It informs about the necessity of the U.S. Army and the U.S. Navy to accommodate subcontracting to tackle the increasing defense production.

The article reports that the recent trend of wearing paper dresses has increased the sales of disposable garments in the apparel industry in the U.S. to an estimated 100 million dollars. As stated, some manufacturers see it as a permanent style. It states that in the conference of American Apparel Manufacturers Association in Dallas, Texas in June 1967 Oliver J. Sterling, president of James Sterling Paper Fashions predicted that these clothes will amount to 25 percent of the industry.

The article reports an increase in corporate profits in the U.S. following the boom in capital spending in 1964. Sales volumes at capital goods manufacturers have been boosted by capital goods purchases by U.S. industry which resulted in a strong performance of stocks on Wall Street. It is noted that steel mills will spend roughly 1.8-billion U.S. dollars for new plant and equipment in 1964.

The article forecasts an increase in U.S. manufacturers' sales abroad in 1964 to 50-billion U.S. dollars. IBM World Trade Corp. chairman Arthur K. Watson told the National Foreign Trade Council that their sales and profits are up. It is predicted that U.S. manufacturing industries would gain a total 50-billion U.S. dollars in profits. The factors that contribute to increased profits include rising business activity and a continued consumer boom in Western Europe.

The article discusses the increase in corporate cash flow in the U.S. Cash flow increased by 5.6 billion U.S. dollars to a total of 38.9 billion U.S. dollars. The state of the corporate bank balance is one of the factors affect decisions on capital spending, diversification and inventory. A survey of executives showed that capital spending is on the rise, as well as dividend payments and trade credit. Commerce Department revealed that manufacturing companies have generated after-tax profits of 26.8 billion U.S. dollars.

The article discusses industrial migrations of various manufacturing industries in the U.S. from the period ranging 1947 to 1954. It tackles the effects of the industry's decentralization and the industry's shift from the big metropolitan areas to smaller cities and towns on factory employment and income distribution. Charts depicting factory employment and regional shifts by industry are also presented.

The article discusses the growing importance of plant location in management in the U.S. Manufacturers are becoming more and more scientific in finding the right site for a new plant as a vital industry that is concentrated in one place could be eliminated overnight. To handle plant location problems, many companies have expanded their plant location staffs and some have hired private consultants.

The article discusses the capital spending plans of U.S. manufacturing industries in reference to the results of the 1954 annual business survey released by McGraw-Hill. The notable improvement in manufacturing spending despite the economic decline is considered as a reflection of business confidence. Possible reasons behind the discrepancy between the survey results and the report published by the Commerce Department on the same issue are described. The role of competition in spending plans, particularly of the automobile industry, is also noted.

The article discusses the possible shift of the U.S. manufacturing industry to mass assembly in the automatic factory. It notes that the manual assembly is one factor that affects the automatic manufacturing of chairs and other products. Engineers concentrate on improving product design and manufacturers will have to create products adaptable to automatic production. The molding machine would be connected to conveyors and handling devices. Operating decisions will also be fact in the automatic factory.

The article reports on the expansion of business activities in New York City. It states that despite being on of the most costliest city to do business, business in New York City has grown. It states the reasons for the increase in business activities in the city includes large population, high amount of wholesale trade and manufacturing activities. It states that despite the proposed changes in the city's budget which do not suit the businessmen, the business will continue to grow.

The article discusses the highlights of the Fifth Annual Congress on Better Living sponsored by McCall's Magazine in Chicago, Illinois in 1961. Among the subjects discussed by the 66 women who participated in the event were appliances, cars, and houses. Manufacturers' representatives heard several positive and negative comments on various products. A strong concern for family health and safety was also noted during the event.

The article discusses the estimates and forecasts for the personal income in the U.S. from 1959-1960 by the "Business Week." It mentions that the decline and improvement of the incomes in various states of the U.S. during 1959 were based on how they were affected by different events, like the steel strike in the manufacturing industry. It adds that incomes in industrial states for 1960 are expected to increase, although it may not be fast compared in 1959.

The article looks at the response of U.S. manufacturers to the influx of imports to the country. The imported products that have hurt domestic manufacturers include steel, textiles and semiconductors. The rise in imports has prompted U.S. manufacturers to join the competition through overseas operations, while others are trying to improve their products. Lower labor cost is cited as the main advantage of foreign competition over U.S. manufacturers.

The article reports on U.S. business plans to cut its capital spending in 1958 at 7% less than that of 1957, according to McGraw-Hill's capital spending survey in 1957. It reports that the manufacturing sector will cut their 1958 spending by 16% from 1957. The biggest reduction will reportedly come from the metal producing and metal-working industries. Only four industries, including electrical machinery, electric and gas utilities, petroleum and transportation and communications intend to increase their spending in 1958.

The article focuses on how Product Development Corp. (PDC) builds a relationship with the manufacturer and the inventor in the U.S. It notes that the company tries to review inventions for the interest of their clients who are the manufacturers. It mentions that PDC obtains from 600 to 1,000 ideas through sample products, a visit from the inventor or letters. It cites that if the product is approved then it is sent to potential manufacturer.

The article focuses on the market for atomic reactors in the U.S. It states that atomic reactors are those capable of melting radioactive materials if it gets out of control, and can show temperature levels to reactor operators. It mentions that firms manufacturing parts for atomic reactors are estimated to be 80% to 90% such as General Electric Co. and Leeds & Northrup Co. (L&N). It adds that marketing of atomic reactors is viewed to have four to six million dollars of sold controls by 1957.

The article discusses the growth in the oxygen industry in the U.S. It is stated that three industries in which substantial growth can be foreseen for the oxygen market are steel, chemicals and minerals. It is mentioned that the traditional oxygen suppliers in the U.S. are being led by Linda Air Products Corp.

A report titled "Industry on the Move," prepared by "Business Week" for U.S. executives, is presented. The report highlights the results of a survey on the relocation of plants and industries, the decentralization trend in manufacturing, and the impact of competition on industrial geography. Discussed are the migration of manufacturing plants to where raw materials are located, the search for locations where taxes are lower and local laws are friendlier to business, and the operations of new but competitive enterprises.

The article reports on the little chances of the lone inventor selling his or her idea to large manufacturing companies in the U.S. It describes the advantages of hiring outside investors by some corporations. It cites United Shoe Machinery Corp. and Ling-Temco-Vought Inc. (LTV) which consider outside inventors on some of their products.

Presents the author's views on what lies ahead for the United States economy and the economies of Indian and China continue to grow. Review of how three million U.S. manufacturing jobs have been lost in the past half-decade; Suggestion that six million more will be gone in the coming ten years; Growth of the U.S. merchandise trade deficit with China; Benefit of inexpensive goods and services for American consumers; Discussion of how American companies are changing their business processes so they can take advantage of cheaper foreign labor.

Provides commentary on the U.S. economy. Belief that corporate American may finally be able to join the recovery; Report on corporate capital outlays which soared in the third quarter; News from the Institute for Supply Management which says manufacturing's health rose to its highest level in four years; The effect of restocking on the statistics for next year; Turnaround in hiring which is just beginning; Role of cheap financing and tax breaks in growing the economy.

Examines the debate over the advantages and disadvantages of the U.S. outsourcing of its highly skilled service and manufacturing jobs. Benefits to workers in developing countries and U.S. consumers; Impact of globalization on the U.S. educated class; Declining labor-force participation.

Examines the lack of pricing power of U.S. companies. Issue of low prices in the manufacturing, airlines, phone service, and retail sectors; Importance of surging corporate profits, which are dependent on stronger prices, to help restore growth to the economy; Industries with pricing power, including health-care services, real estate, entertainment, and ones protected by tariffs such as steel and lumber; Ways in which companies are dealing with the pricing drought, including cost cutting.

The article discusses the export policies of several major U.S. firms as of April 1978. It states that only 1% of companies produce about 85% of the country's total exports, but that many of the products made were not manufactured on U.S. soil. It reports that many have set up production facilities in foreign countries to sell to the U.S. market, or directly to the countries they operate in, or even to another nation altogether. As a result, it claims that fewer profits are going back to the U.S., contributing to the growing trade deficit.

The article discusses the move of the manufacturing executives to trim down their inventories in the U.S. It cites the result of the survey in the manufacturing companies regarding the decision of their management to cut back inventories and stocks due to tough economic situation in the country. It notes the concern of the economists on the possible implications of the industry's move, which might worsen the economic situation and delay the much awaited recovery.

The article offers information on the chip manufacturing in the U.S. and technologies that will used in future to make chips. It states that there will be efforts made to change transistors to work upon silicon chip. It mentions that new methods to make integrated circuits (ICs) will be invented, giving rise to the process called CMOS.

The article presents updates related to business conditions in the U.S. as of November 5, 1979. The new monetary policy of the Federal Reserve has affected the housing market as evidenced by a decline in housing. Despite high interest rates, there was no significant change in real gross national product (GNP) in the third quarter. A significant improvement in manufacturers' orders is also cited.

The article looks at the state of the U.S. bearings industry as of October 1979. A 22-week strike has been settled by the Fafnir Bearing Division of Textron Inc. in New Britain, Connecticut on September 19. On the other hand, the bearings industry is beset by several problems, including low profit margins for manufacturers and difficulty of meeting domestic demand despite rising imports. In response to imports, Timken and Fafnir are expanding operations.

Elaborates on the continued struggle of the U.S. textile mills to survive, despite their near-strangulation with debt and imports. Increase in debt that is hurting textiles just as the industry is finally showing a pulse; Decision of the U.S. government to phase out quotas that make textiles one of the most protected U. S. industries, just as a new free-trade agreement with Mexico is expected to start allowing in cheap fabric from south border; Establishment of cheap-labor cut-and-sew operations overseas by many clothing manufactures to ship finished goods back to the States; Problem of cheap labor competition; Efforts of mills to fight back with high-tech equipment; Competition with imported textiles.

The article that U.S. manufacturers are switching to new materials. Manufacturers are carefully considering new materials before making the switch, according to a "Business Week" survey in 1949. Marchant Calculating Machine Co. and Alvey Ferguson are among the companies studying the effect of their possible switch to new materials on their traditional products and processes. These companies, the survey revealed, engage their testing and production department in the process.

The article explores the condition of the television (TV) manufacturing industry in the U.S. It mentions the Music Industry Trade Show and Convention in New York where TV sets dominated the more conventional musical instruments and manufacturers offered longer discounts and guarantees to address inventory losses. It discusses the problems on how TV sets were promoted to the retailers such as high prices and retailers were fed up of how manufacturers brought up their new models.

The article discusses new design techniques for cost cutting in manufacturing in the U.S. in 1949. It notes that dwindling profit margins have made manufacturers cost conscious, turning to innovative designs that save on both materials and parts, simplify production techniques and turn out faster-built and more efficient products. It talks about techniques including stampings to replace cast and machined parts, die castings for minimized wastage and fast operation, and precision casting for close tolerances in small component parts.

The article presents information on recent surveys on industrial productivity per man-hour in various industries in the U.S. It reports that recent surveys and statistical analyses have shown that there has been a slow rise in productivity of manufacturing industries in the U.S. A graph is presented which shows percent changes in the industrial output per man-hour from 1939-1947 and 1946-1947.

The article reports that automobile manufacturing company Tucker Corp. has filed additional documents to get the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission's (SEC) approval for the sale of stocks needed to start the company's assembly line. SEC has told Tucker that its financing cannot be cleared because the documents submitted allegedly included untrue statements and have omitted material facts that are required. One area of contention was whether Tucker failed to disclose the amount it paid for services.

The article reports on the impact of the steel strike in the U.S. in January 1946 on the country's industry. It states that the incident led to the closure of several steel plants and caused delay to the production of other manufacturing industries in the country which used steel products as raw materials. It notes that the strike occurred after the Congress of Industrial Organizations (C.I.O.) and the employers could not agree on same wage-price policy.