Apollo examines how the United States is starting to rebuild its industrial base after decades of offshoring cut manufacturing to roughly 9% of GDP. Rob Bittencourt argues that pandemic shocks, geopolitical rivalry and surging AI demand have built bipartisan momentum for reshoring critical sectors like semiconductors, defense and energy, with automation helping offset higher labor costs.
The Reindustrialization of America Is Underway
Apollo
Rob Bittencourt
Research
5 Pages
Key Takeaways
Manufacturing’s Long Decline: US manufacturing fell from about 28% of GDP in the 1950s to roughly 9% today, hollowing out defense and semiconductor capacity.
Capital Coming Back: US construction spending on manufacturing roughly tripled to about $250 billion across the three years after the pandemic.
Trillions To Rebuild: Restoring the industrial base to 2000s levels needs roughly $2 trillion, and reaching 1980s levels about $6.5 trillion.
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