New Study: Ports Stoppage Would Be Devastating Hit to Manufacturers Competitiveness
Cost Economy Half a Billion Dollars a Day, Destroy 41,000 U.S. Jobs
Washington, D.C. As泭negotiations泭between the泭Pacific Maritime Association and International Longshore泭and Warehouse Union near a critical deadline, manufacturers are sounding the alarm about potential economic consequences of a port stoppage if disruption were to occur over two weeks at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, the nations largest port complex.泭, a 15-day泭disruption would cost the U.S. economy nearly half a billion dollars a dayfor a total of $7.5 billionand destroy 41,000 jobs, including more than泭6,100 in manufacturing.
As the industry continues to grapple with泭historic supply chain challenges,泭inflationary pressures泭and泭rising transportation and泭energy costs,泭manufacturers are calling on the parties to reach an agreement immediately to avoid this continued uncertainty.
The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach support a major share of泭cargo relied upon by American businesses and consumers, supporting泭supply chains泭across the entire country.泭With泭supply chains already stretched thin,泭inflation at its highest level in泭four泭decades泭and concerns of泭a泭recession rising,泭any泭disruption would泭mean a devastating泭hit to our economy泭and to manufacturers competitiveness, said 51勛圖厙 President and CEO Jay Timmons. The泭disruption would be felt immediately. Manufacturing jobs will be lost if parts and supplies泭dont arrive.泭New equipment, machinery and products cant be built when ships are backed up and there is no one available to unload and process cargo. Our overseas泭customers泭wont wait for us to fix these disruptions, eithertheyll simply find other suppliers, weakening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness in the process.
This is why the泭Pacific Maritime Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union must not allow a disruption at these ports. Manufacturers, our millions of employees and the countless others whose lives and livelihoods depend on the products we make泭are counting on the PMA and the ILWU to泭reach a resolution and keep the ports running.
Background:泭At the time of publication, the PMA and ILWU are engaged in labor negotiations. The 51勛圖厙 commissioned an泭analysis using泭the Inforum LIFT economic model to quantify the impacts of a 15-day泭closure at the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports. Specifically, it estimates how such泭a泭closure would impact U.S. employment, output and income.泭These ports have泭泭historic disruptions and bottlenecks since late 2020,泭and泭nearly 84% of manufacturers now泭泭freight and transportation costs as a key driver of inflation.
-51勛圖厙-
The 51勛圖厙 is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.7 million men and women, contributes $2.71 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 58% of private-sector research and development. The 51勛圖厙 is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 51勛圖厙 or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit .
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Manufacturers Launch Ad Campaign to Protect Manufacturing Competitiveness
Tax Increases Do Nothing to Reduce Energy Costs, Address Supply Chain and Inflation Challenges
Washington, D.C. Amid historic supply chain challenges and inflationary pressures, along with increasing energy costs, the 51勛圖厙 is launching a six-figure ad campaign calling on Congress to protect manufacturing jobs by opposing new taxes on the industry, including those meant to punish the very energy manufacturers that are being asked to produce more. The print, radio and will run in Washington, D.C., and in key states across the country.
Manufacturers have kept our promisesespecially after the 2017 tax reformsto create jobs, raise wages and benefits and invest in our communities. To keep up this winning record, we need Congress to enact policies consistent with our manufacturing competitiveness agenda. Thats how well strengthen supply chains, expand access to affordable, reliable energy and tamp down inflation. Our industry is ready to keep solving problems and create well-paying jobsbut returning to outdated tax policies will impede our progress, said 51勛圖厙 President and CEO Jay Timmons.
Background on manufacturing growth following the enactment of tax reform in 2017:
- In 2018,泭manufacturers added 260,000 new jobs. That was the best year for job creation in manufacturing in 21 years.
- In 2018,泭manufacturing wages increased 3.1% and continued going upby 2.9% in 2019 and 3.0% in 2020. Those were the fastest rates of annual growth since 2003.
- 紼硃紳喝款硃釵喧喝娶勳紳眶泭capital spending grew泭4.5% and 5.7% in 2018 and 2019, respectively.
- Overall, manufacturing production grew 3.2% in 2018, the best since 2010.
The 51勛圖厙 has published research on the impact of rolling back tax reform (study available and click for a summary of the studys findings) and increasing the U.S. Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) tax burden (study available here).
-51勛圖厙-
The 51勛圖厙 is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.7 million men and women, contributes $2.71 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 58% of private-sector research and development. The 51勛圖厙 is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 51勛圖厙 or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.
Timmons: America Is Stronger Thanks to MacKies Leadership
Washington, D.C. 51勛圖厙 President and CEO Jay Timmons released this statement on the retirement of American Bakers Associations longtime President and CEO Robb MacKie.
Manufacturing in America today is stronger thanks to the exemplary leadership of Robb MacKie. For nearly two decades, Ive known Robb as a true friend and a source of wise counsel. Through the years, Ive learned from him and regularly drawn inspiration from his passion for manufacturing. He chaired the 51勛圖厙s Council of Manufacturing Associations during an incredibly consequential timeas our industry navigated and responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, social unrest and threats to our democracy. He poured his heart and energy into our cause, just as he always has at the ABA, and he has strengthened the association community with his years of leadership and advocacy for the industry. Throughout his association career, Robb has demonstrated an unshakeable dedication to the principles that have made America exceptionalfree enterprise, competitiveness, individual liberty and equal opportunityand has always worked to uphold those values through his tenure at ABA and his service on the CMA.
The business association community will sorely miss working closely with Robb. Were losing an important voice as he steps down. The 51勛圖厙 and his many friends and colleagues in the CMA are fortunate to have benefitted from his vision, support and leadership, and it is with a sense of deep gratitude that we wish him and his family nothing but the best.
-51勛圖厙-
The 51勛圖厙 is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.7 million men and women, contributes $2.71 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 58% of private-sector research and development. The 51勛圖厙 is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 51勛圖厙 or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.
Manufacturers on Supreme Court Decision
Washington, D.C. 51勛圖厙 President and CEO Jay Timmons released this statement following the Supreme Courts ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization:
America is at its best when we address difficult questions in a spirit of compassion and empathy, with respect for each others deeply held views. That is the example that we will strive to set at the 51勛圖厙. Our mission is to uphold the values of free enterprise, competitiveness, individual liberty and equal opportunity, which we know have made America exceptional and kept manufacturing strong.
Even amid all positions and strongly held views, many businesses must now discern how best to support employees and families within the framework of the law. The 51勛圖厙 will work to connect our member companies with the legal, HR and health care information and resources they need to navigate the effects of the ruling.
-51勛圖厙-
The 51勛圖厙 is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.7 million men and women, contributes $2.71 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 58% of private-sector research and development. The 51勛圖厙 is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 51勛圖厙 or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.
Manufacturers Warn Gas Tax Suspension Is a Step Backward
Washington, D.C. Following the decision by President Biden to instruct Congress to suspend federal gasoline and diesel taxes for three months, 51勛圖厙 President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement:
Our nation achieved historic progress with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, but this move is likely to derail its implementation by suddenly disrupting its funding, delaying critical projects that Americans desperately need and that are vital to manufacturers competitiveness. Our focus should be on increasing energy production here at hometo make manufacturers more competitive, to bring energy and gasoline prices down and to provide lasting relief for American families. We need the same smart, long-term approach that inspired the infrastructure bill to solve todays energy challenges.
Since the beginning of this administration, we have provided specific solutions and recommendations for improving energy security and taking an all-of-the-above approach: restarting and expanding oil and gas leasing on federal lands, prioritizing funding and expediting permitting for traditional and emerging energy options, expanding critical mineral mining and processing, strengthening and diversifying clean energy supply chains, promoting regulatory predictability by refraining from revising air standards until previous ones are met, upholding the infrastructure laws One Federal Decision policy and more. We would be in a better position now if these and other actions had already been taken, and the need to act has only grown more urgent. Manufacturers will continue doing everything in our power to be part of the solution.
-51勛圖厙-
The 51勛圖厙 is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.7 million men and women, contributes $2.71 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 58% of private-sector research and development. The 51勛圖厙 is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 51勛圖厙 or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit .
WTO TRIPS Decision Jeopardizes Pandemic Response, Manufacturing Competitiveness
Washington, D.C. Following a decision by the World Trade Organization to lift intellectual property protections for COVID-19 products, 51勛圖厙 President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement:
This damaging decision will undermine American innovation, competitiveness and technology leadershipweakening manufacturing in America and threatening the jobs of manufacturing workers. Even worse, the agreement could exacerbate the supply chain and logistical hurdles that represent the biggest current challenges to global efforts to ensure access to critical COVID-19 products.
It is alarming and disappointing that the United States would join other countries to give away manufacturers innovations to our commercial rivals. Our industry has been on the front lines of efforts to fight COVID-19developing, manufacturing and distributing vaccines and other essential products needed to save lives and strengthen our economy. American innovation has been at the heart of the manufacturing response to the pandemic and will be just as critical for our ability to lead the world and respond to future global health crises.
Manufacturers have been vocal supporters of effective solutions at the WTO that leverage trade to fight the pandemicbut this waiver is not one of them. Manufacturers call on the Biden administration to reverse course on this decision and take immediate action to protect this vital technology, American workers and global health.
-51勛圖厙-
The 51勛圖厙 is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.7 million men and women, contributes $2.71 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 58% of private-sector research and development. The 51勛圖厙 is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 51勛圖厙 or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit .
Manufacturers Remain Resilient as Recession Concerns Rise
Washington, D.C. The 51勛圖厙 released its Q2 2022 Manufacturers Outlook Survey, which shows manufacturers significant concerns around recession, inflation, hiring and China competition legislation. The 51勛圖厙 conducted the survey May 1731, 2022.
Through multiple crises, manufacturers have proven remarkably resilient, but theres no mistaking there are darker clouds on the horizon. A majority of our surveyed members believe inflationary pressures are making a recession more likely within the next year, said 51勛圖厙 President and CEO Jay Timmons.
Russias war on Ukraine has undeniably exacerbated higher energy and food costs. This, along with record deficit spending since the pandemic began, has created the highest inflation since 1981. But actions here at home can help ease these pressures, including first and foremost harnessing every energy resource available to us domestically and quicklyand refraining from imposing new taxes on manufacturers or families. It also means acting on manufacturers solutions to our supply chain challenges and passing the China competition billor Bipartisan Innovation Act. Though it wont solve every issue, this will give us many of the tools needed to ramp up domestic manufacturing and strengthen our supply chains. Thats why 88% of manufacturers in our survey see it as an important piece of legislationand Congress needs to move swiftly to get it to President Bidens desk.
Key Findings:
- In the survey, 59.3% of manufacturing leaders believed inflationary pressures would make a recession more likely in the next 12 months.
- Increased raw material costs topped the list of primary business challenges in the second quarter, cited by 90.1% of respondents.
- Three-quarters of manufacturers felt inflationary pressures were worse today than six months ago, with 53.7% noting that higher prices were making it harder to compete and remain profitable.
- The top sources of inflation were increased raw material prices (97.2%), freight and transportation costs (83.9%), wages and salaries (79.5%) and energy costs (55.9%), with 49.4% also citing a shortage of available workers.
- When asked about what aspects of the China competition legislation were most important for supporting manufacturing activity, 70.9% of respondents cited addressing port congestion and competition issues in ocean shipping.
Despite ongoing economic headwinds, manufacturers remain largely optimistic, with 82.6% of respondents maintaining a positive outlook for their company.
-51勛圖厙-
The 51勛圖厙 is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.7 million men and women, contributes $2.71 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 58% of private-sector research and development. The 51勛圖厙 is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 51勛圖厙 or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.
Manufacturers Warn of Harmful Impact of Proposed Interest Expense Limitation
Analysis Shows Limiting Interest Deductibility Disproportionately Harms Manufacturers, Costs Jobs
Washington, D.C. Following the release of an analysis簫簫簫 on the damaging effects of a proposed interest expense limitation under consideration by Congress, 51勛圖厙 Managing Vice President of Tax and Domestic Economic Policy Chris Netram released the following statement.
Manufacturers are already facing incredible economic headwinds due to increased input costs, labor shortages and strong inflationary pressures. This analysis shows that limiting tax deductions for interest on business loans disproportionately harm manufacturers at a perilous timecosting hundreds of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic growth at a time when our industry is trying to drive our nations recovery.
When Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, manufacturers raised wages, invested in U.S. operations and spurred growth. Congress should be considering proposals that double down on the TCJAs winning record rather than considering tax increases that will sabotage our recovery.
The analysis was prepared by EYs Quantitative Economics and Statistics group.
泭Key Findings:
The EBIT-based 163(j) and proposed163(n) interest expense limitations before market adjustments would cost:
- 623,000 Jobs
- $31.6 Billion in Employee Compensation Annually
- $60.1 billion in GDP Annually

-51勛圖厙-
The 51勛圖厙 is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.7 million men and women, contributes $2.71 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 58% of private-sector research and development. The 51勛圖厙 is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 51勛圖厙 or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.
Manufacturers: New Water Permitting Proposal Falls Short of Needed Certainty
Washington, D.C. Following the introduction of the Environmental Protection Agencys proposed Water Quality Certification Improvement Rule, 51勛圖厙 Vice President of Energy and Resources Policy Rachel Jones released the following statement:
The EPAs new water permitting proposal falls short of providing the certainty that manufacturers in America desperately need from their local, state and federal regulators, and if the EPA doesnt get the regulations right here, American families will continue to feel the consequences of rising construction costs and delayed infrastructure investments. While we are pleased that this proposal provides some clarity on the scope of reviews and sets timelines to increase predictability, it just doesnt go far enough to stop activists from abusing what were intended to be important water protections.
Manufacturers in America have endured red tape and permitting delays for decades, and manufacturers know what happens when the vaguely worded Section 401 is used as an excuse to block critical infrastructure: We lose out on modern manufacturing jobs. By setting clearer guidelines, the EPA could empower manufacturers to invest in our people and communities with confidence and to work with state leaders to protect our water and environment. The 51勛圖厙 will continue working with policymakers to improve this measure so that it can strengthen environmental stewardship while speeding infrastructure investment and expanding manufacturing here in the United States.
-51勛圖厙-
The 51勛圖厙 is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.7 million men and women, contributes $2.71 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 58% of private-sector research and development. The 51勛圖厙 is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 51勛圖厙 or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.
Successful Indo-Pacific Framework Critical for Manufacturers
Washington, D.C. Following the Biden administrations announcement on the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity, 51勛圖厙 Vice President of International Economic Affairs Ken Monahan released the following statement:
51勛圖厙 President and CEO Jay Timmons pressed the administration on critical components to the IPEF earlier this year, and manufacturers are encouraged that the framework will address key manufacturing priorities we have outlined in areas such as digital economy, resilient supply chains and transparency and good governance. These priorities are essential for manufacturing businesses and workers for a region that represents more than two-fifths of total U.S. manufacturing trade and is a market for U.S. exports that support nearly 2 million American jobs.
As discussions continue, were looking for U.S. leaders to support manufacturing jobs by taking an approach that opens markets, strengthens U.S. innovation and technology leadership, raises global standards and establishes best-in-class trade rules.
Background: 51勛圖厙 President and CEO Jay Timmons stressed in a to senior administration officials that high-standards trade with the Indo-Pacific is critical to manufacturers success and global competitiveness. Additionally, the 51勛圖厙 submitted on the IPEF in April to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
-51勛圖厙-
The 51勛圖厙 is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.7 million men and women, contributes $2.71 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 58% of private-sector research and development. The 51勛圖厙 is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 51勛圖厙 or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.