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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

Trump wants German carmakers to "become American car companies." How would that work exactly?

Incentives for German automakers to build vehicles here — or penalties for imports — could inspire a shift in operations.
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Boeing is a cautionary tale about current American manufacturing

Oct 4, 2024
Outsourcing work overseas has led to short-term financial gain in return for longer-term losses, like the ability to both make and innovate.
“In Boeing’s case especially, it [outsourcing] ended up more expensive than if it had kind of just stuck with its original culture of manufacturing first," says Jerry Useem, who has written about the company for more than 20 years. Above, Boeing 777s are assembled in its Everett, Washington, facility in 2011.
Stephen Brashear/Getty Images

People are hoarding toilet paper again. But there's no need to panic buy.

Oct 3, 2024
Port shutdowns stirred fears of supply shortages this week. Luckily, most of the TP Americans use is produced in the U.S.
The shelves were almost bare of toilet paper back in 2020.
Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images

Manufacturing may be turning around after nearly 2 years in the dumps

Sep 30, 2024
The economy may finally be emerging from pandemic weirdness.
Construction of industrial buildings is one part of the manufacturing sector that seems to be on the upswing.
Doug Kapustin/For The Washington Post via Getty Images

How can China make EVs that sell for less than $20,000?

Sep 9, 2024
Chinese carmakers can sell affordable EVs because of subsidies, fierce competition, a comprehensive supply chain and cheap labor.
“The problem with the market at the moment is that there’s a void of vehicles priced below $35,000. And there are plenty of buyers who want them,” says Sam Fiorani with AutoForecast Solutions.
Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Full warehouses and fewer orders: manufacturing production declines across the U.S.

Sep 3, 2024
The economy might still be growing, but the manufacturing industry is not. It contracted again this month—this time with some of the worst indicators we’ve seen all year.
One reason manufacturing orders are down? Consumers and businesses are waiting for the Federal Reserve to cut rates and are anxious to see who wins the election before making big purchases.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

The U.S. is investing billions of dollars in fiber internet. Here's what makes it run.

Aug 26, 2024
We tour a North Carolina plant where melted glass is pulled into the hair-like strands that power fiber-optic cable.
Manufacturers like Prysmian supply fiber-optic cables to internet service providers.
Andie Corban/Marketplace

Why is manufacturing activity up in some regions and down in others?

Jul 26, 2024
Different parts of the country make different products and often respond distinctly to economic trends.
Manufacturers' response to economic shocks depends in part on where they're located.
Scott Olson/Getty Images