Dramatic Shifts In Manufacturing Costs Are Driving Companies To US, Mexico

hackingbear writes: According to a new Cost-Competitiveness Index, the nations often perceived as having low manufacturing costs — such as China, Brazil, Russia, and the Czech Republic — are no longer much cheaper than the U.S. In some cases, they are estimated to be even more expensive. Chinese manufacturing wages have nearly quintupled since 2004, while Mexican wages have risen by less than 50 percent in U.S. dollar terms, contrary to our long-standing misconception that their labors were being slaved. In the same period, the U.S. wage is essentially flat, whereas Mexican wages have risen only 67%. Not all countries are taking full advantage of their low-cost advantages, however. The report found that global competiveness in manufacturing is undermined in nations such as India and Indonesia by several factors, including logistics, the overall ease of doing business, and inflexible labor markets.

Comments

Reading between the lines.

[B5_geek]

If you read between the lines the real truth reveals itself.

North America can no longer be considered a 1st world. We are 2nd word and quickly heading towards 3rd-world status.

This is what Eisenhower warned us about.

Re:Growing pains.

[MightyMartian]

I didn't even call Libertarians out by now, and already the morons with mod points who compromise the Ron Paul Commemorative Movement are out to stomp on me.

Well fuck you, maters. I've got karma to burn.

Re:Not flat.

[DNS-and-BIND]

Yes, let's totally ignore the corrupt nature of labor unions and the culture that leads them, even today, to destroy the very industries that spawned them. Not a word about it...well done! A++ would pay for this comment again. Because paid commenters really do inhabit sites like Slashdot.