Key American industry seeing blue-collar jobs boom as Trump's reshoring policies pay off

A recent economic report indicates a resurgence in crucial blue-collar manufacturing jobs in the United States, following a period of workforce decline during the Biden administration. The Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) has revealed that in 2026, the country added 72,000 manufacturing jobs, a significant increase attributed largely to the growth in durable goods manufacturing, such as metal products and transportation equipment.

This increase marks a stark contrast to the previous administration's final two years, during which approximately 200,000 manufacturing jobs were lost. The CEA attributes the current job growth not only to the administration's efforts to bring jobs back to the U.S. but also to its tariff policies. The report highlights the impact of former President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), which has created a favorable environment for domestic expansion by American companies.

The OBBB includes provisions that allow manufacturers to immediately deduct 100% of expenses for new factory construction and the purchase of machinery and equipment. The report showcases examples of companies that have benefitted from this legislation, illustrating how some firms are choosing to reinvest in American workers and expand their operations domestically.

One such example is Jergens, a manufacturing firm from Ohio, which has expanded into Illinois as a result of the OBBB's tax incentives. CEO Jack Schron noted, "Since the passage of the bill [OBBB], our employees are voluntarily working additional hours. They are keeping more of what they earn, putting more money back into the American economy, and Jergens has a ready workforce. It is a win-win-win: a win for the employee, for Jergens and for the United States economy." Schron reported that 83% of his employees have taken on overtime work since the provision allowed for tax-free overtime earnings.

Another company mentioned in the CEA report is Ketchie Inc. from North Carolina, which has grown its workforce by 25% after utilizing the 100% expensing provision to acquire new machinery. The report noted that the company delayed its equipment purchase until the OBBB was enacted.

Wages for manufacturing workers have also seen an increase, with a reported rise of 7.9% since January 2025. The report states that when adjusted for inflation, blue-collar manufacturing workers are earning approximately $2,500 more annually on average since Trump took office. The construction sector has also experienced growth, adding 100,000 jobs since the beginning of Trump’s presidency.

The semiconductor chip manufacturing industry, which has been a focal point of competition with China, is also experiencing growth in the U.S. Companies like Micron are investing heavily in memory chip plants across Idaho, Virginia, and New York, with a total investment of $250 billion. Additionally, Apple is committing $600 billion toward American semiconductor production.

Pharmaceutical giants including GSK and Gilead are reportedly investing billions in the U.S. as well, alongside automakers such as Stellantis. Overall, the report claims that reshoring and tariff policies have generated $11 trillion in investments in the United States during Trump's second term.

As the midterm elections approach, economic issues are at the forefront of voters' concerns. Inflation remains a significant issue, particularly with rising gas and grocery prices affecting Americans. A Fox News Poll indicates that 61% of voters consider gas prices a major problem, an increase from 48% two years ago. Healthcare costs are seen as a major issue by 52% of respondents, up from 44%. Additionally, 54% of voters cite housing costs as a concern, down from 60%, while 62% view grocery prices as a significant problem, down from 66%.

Despite the reported growth in manufacturing jobs and wages, nearly two-thirds of Americans believe the economy has worsened since Trump’s administration began.