manufacturing

The economy may finally be emerging from pandemic weirdness.

Chinese carmakers can sell affordable EVs because of subsidies, fierce competition, a comprehensive supply chain and cheap labor.

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.

We tour a North Carolina plant where melted glass is pulled into the hair-like strands that power fiber-optic cable.

Different parts of the country make different products and often respond distinctly to economic trends.

Slowing demand in construction and manufacturing in the U.S. and around the globe have pulled steel prices lower for months.

Some businesses say the new tariffs will put them on a level playing field with Chinese exporters. Others see little advantage.

The government reports construction spending fell for a second month in April. And factory orders were up less than 1% after being revised down for March.

The 0.7% increase signals a healthy tone for manufacturing, at least relative to recent weak readings for construction and consumer spending.

GM will discontinue the once-popular mid-price family sedan in late 2024, to make way for more EV production at its plant in Kansas City.