Why Manufacturing Drives Long-Term Economic Growth
· Texas Border Business

Manufacturing plays a crucial role in long-term economic growth, acting as a basic industry that generates value and income. The Institute for Supply Management's Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) indicates expansion, with a July reading of 55.6, the highest since May 2022. Key growth drivers include investments in AI and strong orders for semiconductors and electrical equipment. Employment in manufacturing has increased by about 6,000 jobs from June 2025 to June 2026. Texas leads the nation with $674.1 billion in manufacturing investments, significantly outpacing Virginia. Overall, the current data suggests a robust position for U.S. manufacturing.
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