Investment in infrastructure and farm economy, trade policies aligned with global supply chains, workforce development among recommendations to bolster U.S. equipment manufacturing
AEM unveiled Equipped to Manufacture, a blueprint for the policies that equipment manufacturers need to create more family-sustaining jobs, build more equipment in America, and compete globally.
The blueprint calls for a three-pronged strategy to bolster U.S. equipment manufacturing: drive expansion of domestic manufacturing through trade certainty, sustained investment in infrastructure, and a resilient, innovative workforce.
“To secure the long-term growth and success of the equipment manufacturing industry, policymakers need to focus on the fundamentals that matter most: a stable and predictable trade environment, long-term investment in America’s infrastructure, a strong farm economy, and innovative workforce development,” said Kip Eideberg, AEM’s Senior Vice President of Government and Industry Relations. “Equipped to Manufacture provides the practical, targeted recommendations needed to strengthen domestic manufacturing and bolster America’s global competitiveness.”
AEM’s blueprint underscores how equipment manufacturing face stiff headwinds. After peaking in 2001, U.S. manufacturers’ market share has declined to 17%, with China leading the world at 29%, and that decline is projected to continue. U.S. equipment manufacturers, who employ 2.2 million workers and produce the equipment used to build, power, and feed America, face increasing pressure from surging geopolitical tensions, heightened trade uncertainty, the need to restructure global supply chains, as well as a shortage of 42,000 workers.
Equipped to Manufacture specifically calls on policymakers to:
- Drive Expansion of Domestic Manufacturing: Provide Trade Certainty – U.S. equipment manufacturers rely on critical raw materials as well as parts and components – including steel, aluminum, rare earth metals, semiconductors, microchips, circuit boards, transmissions, and engines – that cannot be sourced domestically. AEM calls for a targeted and transparent tariff relief process for raw materials, parts, and components that cannot be sourced at cost or scale from domestic suppliers, modern, market-opening trade agreements, as well as tax credits to offset soaring tariff payments and expand manufacturing capacity in the United States.
- Create More Manufacturing Jobs: Pass Legislation to Bolster Infrastructure Projects and Strengthen the Farm Economy – Investments in America’s crumbling infrastructure and struggling farm economy are needed to sustain global demand for equipment and create more family-sustaining manufacturing jobs. AEM strongly supports permitting reform to accelerate project approvals, reauthorization of surface transportation programs, and an updated farm bill to help farmers invest in the next generation of agriculture equipment.
- Build the Manufacturing Workforce of Tomorrow: Attract and Retain Skilled Workers to Move the Industry Forward – The U.S. equipment manufacturing industry has a shortage of 42,000 workers. AEM calls for the modernization of the National Apprenticeship Act so registered apprenticeships are more readily accessible by the manufacturing workforce, expansion of career and technical education in high schools, and the alignment of legal immigration pathways with manufacturing workforce needs.
“President Trump and congressional leaders have made growing manufacturing in the United States a top priority – expanding manufacturing capacity, increasing investments, and creating more jobs. To turn that vision into reality, policymakers should take immediate action on the policies outlined in Equipped to Manufacture and ensure that the future is made in America.”
