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Aside from Trump tariffs, steel and aluminum have little in common

Feb 10, 2025
The metals are paired as targets for import duties, but they serve different markets. Domestic steel has spare capacity, aluminum not so much.
The U.S. imports half of its aluminum supply and less than a third of steel.
STR/AFP via Getty Images

The services part of the economy is growing much faster than the part that makes things  

Feb 5, 2025
ADP estimates that the services sector gained 190,000 jobs in January and the production sector lost 6,000.
The "making things" part of the economy — think manufacturing and construction — lost jobs in January. But the services sector gained a ton.
Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Domestic manufacturers are dealing with uncertainty thanks to factors like high interest rates, a strong dollar and tariffs.
Jim Young/AFP via Getty Images

Boeing's 2025 to-do list: Improve corporate culture and supplier relations

Jan 1, 2025
After a chaotic year, the company has to work out supply chain delays and make output consistent, experts say.
Kevin Carter/Getty Images

American companies are already pivoting ahead of Trump's proposed tariffs

Dec 27, 2024
Many companies are rushing to stock up and insulate themselves from likely higher import duties under Donald Trump's second presidency.
Steve Madden is among the American companies looking to relocate production ahead of a second Trump administration.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Chinese importers of American goods brace themselves for further tariffs

Dec 19, 2024
President-elect Donald Trump says he will place an extra 10% tariff on all Chinese exports. China is expected to counter with tariffs on U.S. exports.
Last month, President-elect Donald Trump said he would impose an additional 10% tariff on all Chinese exports.
Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Where did all the manufacturing workers go?

Dec 16, 2024
Millions of workers lost their jobs in manufacturing. Many never returned to the labor force.
"I think the bigger adjustment that's happened is for the workers that are entering the labor force, if they see all these changes that we're talking about, they can start college with a different mentality," says Matt Notowidigdo of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Searching the world for hat manufacturers

Dec 12, 2024
This past spring, Eric Bauer bought the Turner Hat Company, but looming tariffs have thrown a wrench in his plans for the company in 2025.
Eric Bauer is an entrepeneur based in Seattle, Washington.
Courtesy Eric Bauer

U.S. solar manufacturing is at a crossroads

Oct 29, 2024
Some U.S. solar panel makers are pro tariffs on Chinese-made materials. Others say the industry can't meet demand without imported products.
The U.S. solar industry is divided on what tariff policy is ideal for the green energy transition.
Dustin Chambers/The Washington Post via Getty Images

There's a lot riding on Boeing's tentative deal with machinists union

Oct 21, 2024
The machinists union has yet to ratify the new contract, which comes during a tough period for the aviation giant and its suppliers.
The proposed contract that members of the machinists and aerospace workers union will vote on does not include a return to traditional pensions.
Jason Redmond/AFP via Getty Images