Despite political promises to bring back manufacturing jobs, global trends indicate that such jobs are declining due to productivity gains rather than trade policies alone. Economists argue that as countries grow wealthier, they naturally transition from manufacturing to services. This shift is not unique to the U.S. but is observed worldwide. Tariffs and protectionist policies have proven ineffective in reversing this trend, as automation and technological advancements continue to reduce the need for human labor in manufacturing. The focus should instead be on adapting to a service-oriented economy while maintaining a strong, albeit smaller, manufacturing base. \n— new from Vox