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U.S. Manufacturing Trends, Performance, and Competitiveness: Annual Report on the Manufacturing Economy, 2026
Published
Author(s)
Douglas Thomas
Abstract
This report provides a statistical review of the U.S. manufacturing industry. There are three aspects of U.S. manufacturing that are considered: (1) how the U.S. industry compares to other countries, (2) the trends in the domestic industry, and (3) the industry trends compared to those in other countries. The report discusses forecasts for U.S. manufacturing and provides means for advancing national manufacturing competitiveness. Eight primary means for advancing U.S. competitiveness are identified. They organize into four pillars: Target, Accelerate, Learn, and Protect. The eight methods provide a systematic approach to advancing manufacturing competitiveness by focusing resources where they can generate the greatest returns.
Thomas, D.
(2026),
U.S. Manufacturing Trends, Performance, and Competitiveness: Annual Report on the Manufacturing Economy, 2026, NIST Advanced Manufacturing Series: Reports Subseries, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.AMS.100-86, https://nps-ext.nist.gov/nps/nps_public_api/api/Publication/file/963128 (Accessed November 10, 2026)