American industry is at the end of a four-decade tail spin. We've reached the point where people talk about a recovery that doesn't bring back factory jobs, or at least gives up some industries for lost.
In this light, it's surprising to read a rosy outlook from the NBER about the impact of immigrant labor and offshoring.
Both practices have a cost-saving effect, the study finds, that "may leave unaffected, or even increase, total native employment of less skilled workers."
Maybe these 11 industries are on the verge of a renaissance, but we think not.
1) Tobacco products: 19% native-born workers
2) Beverages: 28% native-born workers
3) Soap and cleaning compounds: 37% native-born workers
4) Transportation equipment: 40% native-born workers
5) Jam and specialty foods: 43% native-born workers
6) Cutlery and hand tools: 45% native-born workers
7) Leather: 49% native-born workers
8) Pharmaceuticals: 50% native-born workers
9) Computer equipment: 51% native-born workers
10) Household appliances: 51% native-born workers
11) Communications/AV equipment: 52% native-born workers
