The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) has released the results of its Q1 2023 Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey. The survey, which was conducted from February 21 to March 7, 2023, included an array of topics from tax and permitting to trade policies. Here are a few key takeaways from the survey:
- Nearly 75% of respondents cited workforce issues like finding and retaining skilled workers as their greatest challenge
- 90% of surveyed manufacturers said higher taxes would make it more difficult to invest in new technologies, facilities, and workers
- Nearly 78% of respondents want to increase trade with Europe
In a recent quote, NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons said, “At a time when democracy and free enterprise are under attack from forces around the world, America can provide the leadership needed to defend our values, our institutions and our way of life. By advancing an ambitious trade agreement agenda, we can ensure that the U.S.—and not competitors like China—writes the rules for the global economy and trading system. That has been the focus of our conversations with government, association and business leaders across Europe over the past week.”