Anticipated Tax Cuts Inject Optimism Into Manufacturing Sector

Encouraged by Trump's pro-business policies, manufacturers are increasing investments and adding jobs

Workers at the Hollywood Bed Frame Co. in Commerce, Calif., attend an event on April 14 to mark the company’s expansion, with 100 new local jobs. ROBYN BECK/AFP/GETTY IMAGES

For decades, many U.S. companies moved their manufacturing operations to low-cost countries. As a result, the trade deficit ballooned and millions of American manufacturing jobs were lost. The nation gave up its leadership and competitive advantage in many sectors.

“We’re going to restore America’s competitive edge by passing tax cuts and reform that makes America the best place in the world to hire, invest, and to grow,” said President Donald Trump in Bismarck, North Dakota, on Sept. 6.