China Set to Surpass US as Largest Manufacturer

Second place awaits after 100 years on top

By Sam Biddle, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 11, 2008 1:32 PM CDT

(Newser) – China will surpass the US as the world’s No. 1 manufacturer by next year, the Financial Times reports. China, which last year accounted for 13.2% of manufacturing, will soon account for 17%, just ahead of the US, which has been the planet's dominant manufacturer for more than a century. The change had been projected to occur in 2013, but the weakening US economy accelerated that timeline.

One expert welcomed the report: “This should be a wholesome development for the US, for it promises both political stability for the world’s largest country and continuing opportunities for the US to export to, and invest in, the world’s fastest-growing economy,” said the president of the National Association of Manufacturers.

In this 2007 file photo, a Chinese worker sorts threads at a textile factory in Hefei, in eastern China. China is set to overtake the US as the world's top manufacturer. (AP Photo)

A factory's chimney emits smoke in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China, in this 2007 file photo. China is set to overtake the US as the world's top manufacturer. (AP Photo)

A Chinese worker uses a grinding tool at the Hanyang Steel Factory in Wuhan in central China's Hubei province. China is set to overtake the US as the world's top manufacturer. (AP Photo)

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China Set to Surpass US as Largest Manufacturer

Second place awaits after 100 years on top

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Give Chipotle Same Respect as Apple

Matthew Yglesias: Steve Ells is to fast food what Steve Jobs was to tech

World's Timekeepers: Kill 'Leap Seconds'

Debate rages over fundamental shift

Asia Snapping Up Our High-Tech Jobs, Too

Cost advantage isn't the only reason Asia is gaining on US

Foxconn Workers Vowed to Jump Off Roof in Protest

Chinese employees take action against assembly line conditions

Global Carbon Emissions in Biggest Jump Ever

Rising greenhouse gasses will worsen climate change, say scientists

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China Set to Surpass US as Largest Manufacturer

Second place awaits after 100 years on top

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

China • United States • global economy • US economy • Chinese economy • manufacturing

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Give Chipotle Same Respect as Apple

Matthew Yglesias: Steve Ells is to fast food what Steve Jobs was to tech

World's Timekeepers: Kill 'Leap Seconds'

Debate rages over fundamental shift

Asia Snapping Up Our High-Tech Jobs, Too

Cost advantage isn't the only reason Asia is gaining on US

Foxconn Workers Vowed to Jump Off Roof in Protest

Chinese employees take action against assembly line conditions

Global Carbon Emissions in Biggest Jump Ever

Rising greenhouse gasses will worsen climate change, say scientists

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

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More News

What is Newser?