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Sunday, October 12, 2025

Tag: manufacturing
September 25, 2025
Economy

Trump Economy Surges as Consumer Spending Rises, Trade Deficit Shrinks.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: America’s economic resurgence under President Trump continues as Q2 2025 GDP growth is revised up to 3.8 percent, reflecting strong consumer spending, rising incomes, and a narrowing trade gap.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, White House Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai, and economic analysts.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Q2 2025, United States.

💬KEY QUOTE: “America’s economic resurgence under President Trump continues: revised data show even stronger real GDP growth of 3.8 percent in Q2 2025 thanks to the Trump agenda of tax cuts, deregulation, tariffs, and energy abundance. And this is just the beginning.” – Kush Desai

🎯IMPACT: The fastest economic growth in nearly two years, increased small business confidence, and a surge in durable goods demand signal a robust U.S. economy powered by private sector growth.

IN FULL

Second-quarter GDP has been revised up to 3.8 percent, after the initial print in July showed GDP at 3.0 percent. Notably, the revised number now puts second-quarter growth significantly higher than the forecasted 2.4 percent by economists surveyed by Bloomberg. The White House, hailing the news, credits the surge in economic development to President Donald J. Trump’s tariff policies, as well as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s tax cuts, deregulation, and energy abundance.

“America’s economic resurgence under President Trump continues: revised data show even stronger real GDP growth of 3.8 percent in Q2 2025 thanks to the Trump agenda of tax cuts, deregulation, tariffs, and energy abundance. And this is just the beginning: new data from today also shows core capital goods orders beat expectations, paving the way for robust investment growth in Q3,” White House Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai said in a statement, adding: “President Trump pledged to Make America Wealthy Again, and with Joe Biden’s inflation crisis tamed, we are now laying the groundwork for a long-term restoration of American Greatness.”

In addition to the GPD revision, real disposable income growth was also revised up to 3.1 percent, showing significant gains in wages and income. This marks the fastest pace of economic growth in nearly two years.

Meanwhile, manufacturers’ demand for durable goods surged in August, exceeding expectations and signaling confidence in future investments. Factory production increased for goods and services, while government output decreased, highlighting private sector-driven growth.

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, small business confidence has reached its highest level in nearly a decade. New home sales also soared in August, marking a three-year high and the strongest market for homebuyers in over a decade.

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August 29, 2025
TECH

Trump Moves to Restrict Chinese Access to Key American Technology.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Trump administration has revoked special authorizations for foreign chipmakers in China, requiring licenses for access to American semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: South Korea’s Samsung and SK Hynix, Intel, and U.S. equipment suppliers like KLA Corp., Lam Research, and Applied Materials.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The new restrictions were announced recently and will take effect in 120 days, applying to operations in China.

🎯IMPACT: The decision could benefit U.S. semiconductor firms like Micron and Intel.

IN FULL

The Trump White House has tightened export restrictions on foreign chipmakers operating in China, revoking special authorizations that previously allowed South Korea’s Samsung and SK Hynix to access American semiconductor manufacturing equipment without individual licenses. The move was announced in a Federal Register notice and ends exemptions granted in 2022 when sweeping limits on U.S. technology sales to China were first imposed.

Under the new rules, companies will now need licenses to obtain U.S. equipment for their Chinese facilities. Intel also appeared on the list of firms losing authorization, though it sold its Dalian facility in China earlier this year. The Commerce Department stated that licenses would be approved to maintain existing operations, but would not cover expansions or technology upgrades.

U.S. equipment suppliers like KLA Corp., Lam Research, and Applied Materials are the most likely domestic companies to be impacted by the new export restrictions, which could limit their sales to China. Shares of Lam Research fell by four percent, Applied Materials dropped 2.8 percent, and KLA slipped 2.4 percent on the news.

The restrictions come amid ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China, with both nations still operating under a tariff truce set to last until November. Notably, South Korea’s Samsung and SK Hynix—both reliant on Chinese semiconductor facilities—had previously benefited from a Validated End User status, which streamlined equipment shipments from U.S. suppliers. With the designation now revoked, the companies must operate under the same licensing rules as other foreign firms.

The revocations will not take effect for 120 days, giving businesses time to adjust.

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August 27, 2025
Economy

Here’s How Trump’s America First Economy Is Boosting Wages for the Average Worker:

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump highlighted that his America First economic policies have resulted in a $500 wage increase for the average American worker this year, and the fastest blue-collar wage growth in 60 years.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, and Treasury officials.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Across the United States since Trump’s inauguration in January.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The wages for blue-collar workers are now rising at the fastest rate in 60 years, which is so important to all of us around this table. The average American worker has already seen a $500 wage increase this year.” — President Trump

🎯IMPACT: Workers’ incomes are outpacing inflation, increasing purchasing power and signaling continued economic growth.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump has announced to the Cabinet that blue-collar wages are rising at the fastest rate in six decades, with the average American worker seeing a $500 wage increase this year. Trump emphasized the importance of this growth, noting its positive impact on American families and the broader economy.

“The wages for blue-collar workers are now rising at the fastest rate in 60 years, which is so important to all of us around this table. The average American worker has already seen a $500 wage increase this year,” Trump stated. He also highlighted that wages are outpacing inflation, providing workers with increased purchasing power.

Trump credited the stabilization of inflation to American energy production, thanking Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Energy Secretary Chris Wright for their efforts. “There’s no inflation because there’s been decreases, tremendous decreases, thanks to Doug and Chris, some of the people, the great job they’ve done with energy. Thank you very much,” Trump said. He also pointed to declining grocery prices, praising Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins for her contributions.

Joe Lavorgna, senior adviser to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, echoed Trump’s optimism. He noted that the current 1.4 percent annualized wage growth for blue-collar workers is the second-fastest start for any administration in six decades, surpassed only by Trump’s first term. Lavorgna added that the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill, which includes incentives for factory and plant construction, will further boost blue-collar wages and job opportunities.

“Those are carpenters, electricians, plumbers, laborers,” Lavorgna explained, adding: “It also includes things like nursing assistants, people that work in retail and wholesale trade, basically the backbone of the economy. Those workers are going to benefit from the increased capital that companies are incentivized now to make those commitments, in addition to the building of factories.”

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August 13, 2025
Economy

Manufacturing Surges Under Trump’s ‘Made in America’ Drive.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Multiple major companies announced billions of dollars in investments to expand U.S.-based manufacturing and create thousands of American jobs.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: AbbVie, Apple, Century Aluminum, Ford, GE Appliances, and President Donald J. Trump’s administration.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announcements made over the past week, boosting U.S. manufacturing plants across multiple states.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Historic trade victories and pro-American policies are bringing factories, jobs, and prosperity back to our country like never before.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: Significant job creation, increased manufacturing capacity, and billions in investments aimed at revitalizing American industry.

IN FULL

The American manufacturing economy is seeing a surge of investment driven by President Donald J. Trump’s tariff and deregulation policies. Over the past several weeks, numerous major companies—including AbbVie, Apple, Century Aluminum, Ford, and GE Appliances—have announced they will either shift production from overseas back to the United States or will expand existing domestic manufacturing facilities.

“Under President Donald J. Trump’s bold leadership and unwavering commitment to putting America First, our nation is witnessing an unprecedented surge in manufacturing investments and job creation,” the Trump White House said in a statement on Wednesday. “Historic trade victories and pro-American policies are bringing factories, jobs, and prosperity back to our country like never before—delivering big wins for hardworking Americans.”

AbbVie announced a $195 million investment to expand its American-based drug production capacity. Apple revealed plans to increase its U.S. investment to $600 billion over the next four years, bringing additional components of its supply chain and advanced manufacturing back home. This move will directly create 20,000 new American jobs and many thousands more across its suppliers.

Century Aluminum announced it will invest $50 million to revive its South Carolina manufacturing plant for the first time in a decade, returning its production to 2015 peak levels. Ford disclosed a $5 billion investment across its Kentucky and Michigan plants to develop a new midsize truck and advanced batteries.

Meanwhile, GE Appliances announced a $3 billion investment in its U.S.-based manufacturing, onshoring 1,000 jobs and expanding its plants across five states.

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August 13, 2025
Economy
News

Trump Tariffs Push Company to Move Manufacturing From China and Mexico to the U.S.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: GE Appliances announced a $3 billion investment to shift production from China and Mexico to U.S. facilities, modernize plants, and expand domestic operations.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: GE Appliances, CEO Kevin Nolan, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and GE employees and partners.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announced Wednesday; involving facilities in Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Our long-term strategy is about manufacturing close to our customers.” – Kevin Nolan, CEO of GE Appliances.

🎯IMPACT: Over 1,000 jobs will be added, with production moving to U.S. plants and significant contributions to the U.S. economy.

IN FULL

GE Appliances has announced a $3 billion investment to relocate production of refrigerators, gas ranges, and water heaters from China and Mexico to its U.S. facilities as part of a five-year plan. This initiative, which comes amid efforts by President Donald J. Trump to encourage the “reshoring” of manufacturing by imposing tariffs on foreign goods, will upgrade plants in Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina, creating over 1,000 new jobs, and represents the second-largest investment in the company’s history.

CEO Kevin Nolan emphasized the focus on American manufacturing, stating, “Our long-term strategy is about manufacturing close to our customers.” The plan includes shifting gas range production from Mexico to Georgia and six refrigerator models from China to Alabama. Additionally, clothes washer production, announced in June, will move to Kentucky’s Appliance Park.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear (D) lauded the investment, saying, “GE Appliances has established Kentucky as America’s destination for advanced manufacturing and job creation,” highlighting the state’s skilled workforce and resources.

To support its American workforce expansion, GE Appliances is collaborating with universities, technical schools, and high schools. Company executive Bill Good noted, “America’s manufacturing renaissance will be built by people.”

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August 6, 2025
Economy

This Tech Co. Just Pledged an Additional $100 Billion U.S. Investment After Trump Tariff Threat.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Apple announced plans to increase its U.S. investment by $100 billion, adding to its earlier $500 billion pledge.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Apple CEO Tim Cook, President Donald J. Trump, and the White House.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announced Wednesday by the Trump White House.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Today’s announcement with Apple is another win for our manufacturing industry that will simultaneously help reshore the production of critical components to protect America’s economic and national security,” said a White House spokesman.

🎯IMPACT: Analysts suggest Apple’s investment could help mitigate tariffs and align with Trump’s push for U.S.-based manufacturing.

IN FULL

Apple has announced a new $100 billion investment in the United States, adding to its previous $500 billion pledge to boost domestic manufacturing and production. The announcement comes as the company faces pressure from President Donald J.  Trump to relocate more of its supply chain to the U.S.

The White House confirmed the investment would encourage the production of Apple parts in the U.S. This follows earlier remarks from Trump, who threatened to impose higher tariffs on Apple products unless iPhone manufacturing was moved stateside. Apple CEO Tim Cook has indicated the company is looking to “do more” in response to these pressures.

A White House spokesman called the announcement “another win for our manufacturing industry” and emphasized its potential to reshore production of critical components, which aligns with Trump’s broader economic and national security goals. Apple has historically manufactured most of its products in China but has been adapting its supply chain in response to U.S. tariffs.

While Apple has shifted some production to countries like India and Vietnam, analysts note that significant changes to its supply chain will take time. Shares of Apple rose over 4 percent following the announcement, signaling investor optimism about the company’s U.S.-focused strategy. Cook also highlighted Apple’s plans to invest in rare earth production and a “manufacturing academy” in Michigan.

Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian.

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July 23, 2025
Economy
News

Teamsters Chief Backs Trump Tariffs.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Teamsters union boss Sean O’Brien testified before Congress, discussing tariffs, trade agreements, and concerns about foreign truck drivers.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Sean O’Brien and members of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Tuesday, during a Senate Commerce Subcommittee hearing on Surface Transportation.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Take a little less in your own pocket, stop giving more to Wall Street, and just reward your workers and don’t pass this cost on the consumers.” – Sean O’Brien

🎯IMPACT: O’Brien’s testimony highlighted union concerns about tariffs, trade policies, and foreign drivers, sparking debate over worker protections and corporate responsibility.

IN FULL

During a recent congressional hearing, International Brotherhood of Teamsters President Sean O’Brien made clear where the union stands on President Donald J. Trump‘s tariffs and trade policy. He said it was “no secret” the union supports tariffs, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to protecting American workers and revitalizing domestic industry.

O’Brien pushed back on criticisms labeling him a “self-promoting union boss.” Instead, he described as “a truck driver from a middle-class family that appreciates and embraces the preservation of the middle class.”

Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) acknowledged O’Brien’s dedication to workers, saying he believes O’Brien’s advocacy for the middle class is sincere. O’Brien agreed, emphasizing his union’s efforts to secure better outcomes for American workers.

The Teamsters chief also sharply criticized the 1993 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), blaming it for the decline in U.S. manufacturing jobs. “Remember when we had plenty of industry in this country where we were producing goods and services. We were manufacturing steel. We were doing a lot of this work. And then these bad trade deals happened…” he said.

O’Brien expressed concern that corporate America would respond to new tariffs by pushing added costs onto consumers rather than reducing excessive executive compensation. “Take a little less in your own pocket, stop giving more to Wall Street, and just reward your workers and don’t pass this cost on the consumers,” he urged.

Another issue raised during the hearing was the growing use of foreign nationals in commercial driving roles, particularly individuals lacking English proficiency. “I think it’s extremely frightening, to be honest with you,” O’Brien said, referring to the safety risks posed by drivers who cannot read road signs or communicate effectively. He suggested a safer system would be for Mexican drivers to leave their trailers at the U.S. border, allowing American drivers to handle domestic transportation.

Image by Matt Michalski.

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July 16, 2025
Economy

Another Tariff Win as American Industrial Output Surges.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: U.S. industrial production rose significantly more than expected in June, increasing by 0.3 percent month-over-month (MoM), surpassing the anticipated 0.1 percent MoM growth.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The U.S. manufacturing and industrial sectors.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The data reflects industrial activity for June 2025 across the United States.

🎯IMPACT: The data indicates a stronger-than-expected performance in industrial production, with manufacturing output also rising, as President Donald J. Trump’s tariffs—designed to protect American businesses and producers from unfair foreign competition—come into force.

IN FULL

United States industrial production for June increased by 0.3 percent month-over-month, exceeding the expected 0.1 percent growth. Additionally, May’s previously reported 0.2 percent decline was revised upward to unchanged.

Year-over-year, industrial production rose by 0.73 percent, reflecting a steady improvement in the sector’s performance. Manufacturing output also showed positive momentum in June, increasing by 0.1 percent compared to expectations of no growth. This lifted the year-over-year growth in manufacturing output to 0.8 percent. Capacity utilization saw a modest uptick in June, but continues to remain in a broader downtrend, signaling that certain challenges may persist within the industrial space.

The jump in industrial production follows a number of major American companies announcing they are reshoring significant swaths of their production capacity to the United States. In June, Micron Technology announced it would make a $200 billion investment to expand its American chip manufacturing operations. Meanwhile, General Motors (GM) announced plans to invest $4 billion in U.S. plants over the next two years, while also shifting production of two vehicle lines away from Mexico in response to President Trump’s tariff policies, which are designed to stop American jobs from flowing to comparatively low-wage, low-regulation economies, where tariff and non-tariff barriers against U.S. products are often far stiffer than vice versa.

The National Pulse reported earlier on Wednesday that the June Producer Price Index (PPI) data indicated that inflationary pressures remain subdued, with headline and core PPI both printing cooler than expected. Notably, the PPI data further undermines claims by critics of President Donald J. Trump’s tariffs, who claim that the trade duties would accelerate inflation—including embattled Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.

In addition, Trump’s tariffs have seen record trade duty revenues, while in May, the measures cut the U.S. trade deficit in half.

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May 23, 2025
News
TECH

Trump Tells Apple: Make iPhones in US or Face Tariffs.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: President Donald J. Trump announced plans for a 25 percent tariff on iPhones manufactured outside the U.S.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump, Apple, Apple CEO Tim Cook.

📍 Where & When: U.S., Truth Social posts on Friday; Apple stock fell premarket Friday.

💬 Key Quote: “I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhones that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else.” – President Trump.

⚠️ Impact: Apple shares fell over three percent premarket.

IN FULL:

Apple stock dropped sharply in premarket trading Friday after President Donald J. Trump announced plans to impose a 25 percent tariff on iPhones not manufactured in the United States. Trump disclosed his intentions via a Truth Social post, emphasizing he had warned Apple CEO Tim Cook that he would have to reshore production to the U.S. some time ago.

“I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhones that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else,” Trump stated. “If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the U.S.”

President Trump previously exempted smartphones, laptops, and other common electronics primarily made abroad from tariffs. Still, he warned this relief would be temporary and that he expects multinationals to begin moving their production to the U.S. if they wish to have unfettered access to the U.S. market. Some major businesses, such as Nvidia, are answering the call, but the America First leader evidently believes Apple needs further encouragement.

The announcement caused Apple shares to fall 3.6 percent before the market opened. Broader financial markets also reacted, with S&P futures declining 1.5 percent and European markets experiencing a dip—although this is largely because the President also threatened the European Union with a 50 percent tariff starting June 1, due to its “powerful Trade Barriers, Vat Taxes, ridiculous Corporate Penalties, Non-Monetary Trade Barriers, Monetary Manipulations, unfair and unjustified lawsuits against Americans Companies” disadvantaging American exporters.

Apple has been working to reduce its reliance on China for manufacturing, but has faced challenges in diversifying production to other countries, including India, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Ireland. Analysts estimate nearly half of Apple’s revenue remains tied to China. The tech giant faced a significant market setback in April when Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs triggered a $300 billion sell-off.

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May 13, 2025
Economy

This Company Just Committed $1 Billion to U.S. Manufacturing Expansion, Adding 4,000 Jobs.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Carrier announced a $1 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing over five years, creating 4,000 jobs.

👥 Who’s Involved: Carrier, led by Chairman and CEO David Gitlin, and President Donald J. Trump.

📍 Where & When: Announced Tuesday, May 13, 2025, with investments across the U.S. manufacturing sector.

💬 Key Quote: “We are building for the future by creating high-quality, skilled trade careers and empowering American workers to lead the next generation of manufacturing,” said David Gitlin.

⚠️ Impact: The investment will expand facilities, build a new manufacturing site, and accelerate R&D in energy solutions, boosting U.S. manufacturing and innovation.

IN FULL:

Carrier, a global leader in climate control and energy solutions, revealed plans on Tuesday to invest $1 billion in U.S. manufacturing over the next five years, a move expected to create approximately 4,000 jobs. The company announced the initiative, which focuses on expanding manufacturing, innovation, and workforce development, in a press release.

The investment will include expanding current facilities and building a new advanced manufacturing site. These efforts will support the production of critical components for heat pumps and battery assemblies, both integral to Carrier’s Home Energy Management System (HEMS).

“This investment marks the next chapter in our commitment to U.S. manufacturing,” said Carrier’s Chairman and CEO David Gitlin. “We are building for the future by creating high-quality, skilled trade careers and empowering American workers to lead the next generation of manufacturing.”

The initiative will also drive research and development in next-generation technologies, including liquid cooling for data centers and battery-enabled energy and power solutions. These advancements will be spearheaded by Carrier Energy, an in-house startup focused on optimizing home energy use and enhancing grid flexibility.

Gitlin emphasized the broader implications of the investment, stating, “At the same time, it positions Carrier to capture the tremendous growth ahead in our industry and deliver smart, differentiated solutions for our customers.”

The announcement aligns with broader efforts to bolster U.S. manufacturing, with President Donald J. Trump enacting trade tariffs to protect domestic industry and American workers from foreign predation. The White House’s investment tracker highlights numerous major commitments, attributing them to trade and tax policies that encourage domestic production.

While the investment announcement is welcome news, Carrier made a similar pledge in December 2016 regarding an effort to save American jobs, but failed, in part, to uphold its end of the agreement.

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