Employment in manufacturing still strong

It seems like the Republicans are happy to keep pointing out to everyone that overall unemployment is back up to 8.3%.  I don’t think these sound bites really apply to the manufacturing sector.  The reality of the situation, and how the manufacturing sector factors into everything, is still a bit of a mixed bag.  Reports indicate that overall hiring in theUSwas still was up in August, but not high enough to avoid conversations about additional potential stimulus efforts.  Friday’s weaker than expected labor report may increase the likelihood that the Federal Reserve will launch an easing program at the conclusion of its policy meeting next week, which could include new bond-buying program.  This is an interesting twist when you consider that lack of qualified skilled-trades workers continues to plague US manufacturing as a whole.  The global economic news is still full of mixed messages, as severalUSmanufactures reported an up tick in new orders again in August.  Much of this increase was a result of greater domestic demand.  We are also seeing a result of the “in-sourcing” trend that is returning previously outsourced manufacturing to theUS.  Labor and raw material costs have been skyrocketing inChinaover the last 12 months which is leading more American companies are bringing production back home.