Business Roundtable CEOs Release Roadmap to Revitalize American Manufacturing

Washington - Business Roundtable today released “Revitalizing American Manufacturing,” a report outlining the critical importance of strengthening U.S. manufacturing capacity. While the United States remains the second-largest manufacturer in the world, over the past two decades, U.S. manufacturing output has stagnated, employment in the sector has declined and foreign competitors have expanded their capacity. The report details structural challenges facing U.S. manufacturers and presents cross-cutting policy solutions and sector-specific recommendations to restore America’s manufacturing leadership, support good-paying jobs and bolster the nation’s economic security.  

“American manufacturing has long been a foundation of our nation’s strength, driving innovation, job creation and economic growth. But today, U.S. manufacturers face rising costs, labor shortages and unfair competition from heavily subsidized foreign producers,” said Mark Costa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Eastman Chemical Company, who leads the Business Roundtable Manufacturing Working Group. “With the right policies in place, we can expand domestic production, strengthen supply chains and ensure America leads in the industries of the future.” 

“Revitalizing U.S. manufacturing is critical to America’s long-term economic growth,” said Joshua Bolten, CEO of Business Roundtable. “This report provides a clear path forward for creating the environment American manufacturers need to invest, grow and lead globally. Business Roundtable stands ready to partner with policymakers to create the conditions for U.S. manufacturing to thrive.”

The Business Roundtable report highlights five key policy pillars necessary to help unlock a manufacturing renaissance in the United States:

1. Competitive Tax Policy – Maintain a globally competitive tax system, including the 21% U.S. corporate rate, immediate R&D expensing and full expensing for investments in equipment, machinery and technology.
2. Permitting and Regulatory Reform – Modernize permitting processes and reduce regulatory overlap to accelerate investment.
3. Strategic Trade Policy – Expand market access through durable trade agreements, while targeting unfair trade practices.
4. Energy and Infrastructure – Ensure access to affordable, reliable energy and modern infrastructure.
5. Workforce Development – Increase skills training, modernize workforce programs and update immigration policies to meet manufacturing labor needs.

To better illustrate the challenges facing U.S. manufacturing and how to navigate them, the report also features case studies on strategically important sectors, including semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, automotive, critical minerals and food processing. 

Read the full report here: “Revitalizing American Manufacturing.”