MAPI – Manufacturers Alliance Economic News and Reports

Issues in the Brief

The New Factory

A wave of newly available process technologies is reshaping the manufacturing sector. The revolution that many speak of, however, can be fully realized only if these tools are properly incorporated into the lean production paradigm of recent decades.

Executives Share Their Best Technology and Travel Lifehacks

Much has been written about the impact of lost productivity, with technology often the key culprit—checking email, surfing online news, streaming March Madness, and the list goes on.

Limited Impact of Weaker Euro on Growth in Europe

The euro has weakened about 7% against the greenback since the beginning of the year. Even though much of world trade is denominated in dollars, other bilateral exchange rates do matter for the Eurozone. How do these currencies stack up against the euro?

In Europe, it’s the Policymaking, Stupid

Policy uncertainty is holding back domestic spending in the eurozone and is one factor behind a possible man-made third recession. Laws, national preferences and disagreements are preventing action on countercyclical measures.

Will the Elections Make a Difference for Manufacturing?

Many commentators suggest that the national election of 2014 was an angry referendum about ongoing sluggish conditions in the American economy, now five years out from the Great Recession. Business leaders believe that the Republican takeover of Congress represents the best hope of bringing about new policies that will lead to a higher rate of continuous economic growth. Their excitement the day after the election was palpable.

Economic Update

Manufacturing Activity October 2014

Aerospace, fabricated metals, and computers and electronics were the most significant contributors to overall U.S. manufacturing growth in September, while machinery and motor vehicles experienced pullbacks after a period of outsized gains.

Highlights From Our Economists’ Travels

Check out the highlights and slides from our economists’ presentations in October, including Cliff Waldman’s webinar on consumer impacts on manufacturing and Kris Bledowski’s workshop on the politics of TTIP.