Is U.S. Manufacturing in Decline? 🏭

What We’re Showing

This graphic shows the change in the number of manufacturing firms by sector between 2002 and 2022, based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Key Takeaways

• The number of U.S. manufacturing firms has shrunk by 14% in 20 years, with the steepest drops in apparel, textile mills, and printing sectors
• U.S. manufacturing employment peaked in 1979 at 19.5 million employees, and has since fallen to about 13 million as of January 2023
• In 2010, the U.S. lost its position as the world’s leading manufacturer, with its production falling $2.4 trillion behind China's in 2022
• Beverages and tobacco is one of three sectors with positive growth, driven by a boom in craft seltzer waters, kombuchas, and pre-mixed cocktails