Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – As the Biden administration continues its efforts to boost the availability of clean energy in the United States and around the world, an ongoing pause in liquefied natural gas export licenses threatens economic stability as well as progress made by manufacturers in America. A staggering 900,000 jobs could be at risk according to a new study released today by the National Association of Manufacturers.

“With LNG exports, we do not have to choose between what’s good for the economy and good for the planet. Today’s research shows the massive opportunity America has when we unleash our economic and energy potential. LNG exports also play a key role in meeting clean energy goals. But clamping down on our energy sector unnecessarily puts jobs and economic growth at risk, while pushing other nations to use higher emissions alternatives,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “Building LNG export facilities and expanding natural gas production are not just good for our industry—they also cut emissions and help power manufacturing around the world.”

Conducted in partnership with PwC, the analysis uses the government’s own projections to conclude that robust LNG export activities could contribute up to $216 billion to U.S. GDP and generate $46 billion in tax revenue in 2044 if projects proceed as planned. A pause on LNG exports threatens these gains.

Timmons added, “The Biden administration’s ill-advised decision to stop LNG exports could cost Americans dearly, while leaving our geopolitical allies—particularly in Europe—out in the cold. The data is clear: halting LNG export licenses puts nearly a million jobs at risk. The LNG freeze also deprives us of an important tool of soft power to bolster trading partners who share our values. This study provides policymakers—present and future—a clear path to create jobs and hundreds of billions of dollars in economic growth by harnessing America’s abundant supply of LNG.”

Current Economic Benefits by the Numbers:

• Job creation: U.S. LNG exports support 222,450 jobs, resulting in $23.2 billion in labor income.
• Economic output: The LNG industry contributes $43.8 billion to U.S. GDP.
• Tax revenue: Federal, state and local governments receive $11.0 billion in tax revenues, thanks to U.S. LNG exports.

Future Benefits Undermined by an LNG Export Ban:

• Jobs threatened: Between 515,960 and 901,250 jobs, resulting in $59.0 billion to $103.9 billion in labor income, would be at risk if the ban on U.S. LNG exports continues through 2044.
• The economic fallout: An LNG export ban would stifle between $122.5 billion and $215.7 billion in annual contributions to U.S. GDP during the same period.
• Communities shortchanged: Between $26.9 billion and $47.7 billion in tax and royalty revenues meant to benefit communities across the United States would also be at risk in 2044.

-NAM-

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.91 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Washington, DC – Following the news of the passing of Thomas J. Donohue, former president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released this statement:

“Tom Donohue did more than change this world for the better. He showed others how to do the same—how they too could make a difference with their lives and leadership. Today, there are millions of Americans who enjoy meaningful employment and economic security because of the work that Tom undertook, most notably during his storied leadership of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

“Tom could command the attention of presidents and prime ministers, of CEOs and media moguls. When he spoke, they listened. But it was his actions outside of the spotlight that revealed his true character. His compassion and his care for his fellow human—that’s what distinguished him. There are countless individuals who have benefitted from Tom’s empathy and instinctive desire to help. My family are among them; we have been recipients of his care and concern on more than one occasion. He lent a hand before you’d even have a chance to ask.

“Tom was also a mentor. As he did for other association executives finding their footing, he invited me to lunch when I began my role. We sat down, and he laid out a game plan. He did that for so many because he believed that the business community is strongest when we all are at our best.

“For anyone who wants to make an impact on the world, look to the example of Tom Donohue, whose trademark combination of dogged determination and quiet kindness made him an institution.

“Our deepest condolences go out to his companion, Margot Wilson, his three sons and their families and all who loved him.”

-NAM-

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.91 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org

Washington, D.C. – Following news that the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance have reached an agreement to extend the Master Contract until Jan. 15, 2025, National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement:

“Manufacturers are encouraged that cooler heads have prevailed and the ports will reopen. By resuming work and keeping our ports operational, they have shown a commitment to listening to the concerns of manufacturers and other industries that rely on the efficient movement of goods through these critical gateways. This decision avoids the need for government intervention and invoking the Taft-Hartley Act, and it is a victory for all parties involved—preserving jobs, safeguarding supply chains and preventing further economic disruptions.

“Manufacturers depend on the stability of our ports to continue building, innovating, delivering products to American families and supporting communities across the country. We commend the International Longshoremen’s Association and the U.S. Maritime Alliance for coming together in the spirit of collaboration and urge both parties to use this time to reach a fair and lasting agreement. Another strike would jeopardize $2.1 billion in trade daily and could reduce GDP by as much as $5 billion per day. We cannot afford that level of economic destruction.”

-NAM-

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.87 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org

Washington, D.C. – As a strike of 33,000 Boeing workers continued into its 20th day, National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement:

“The potential economic impact of this strike cannot be overstated. The aerospace industry directly supports more than 500,000 manufacturing workers in America, and the ongoing strike at Boeing’s Puget Sound facilities is poised to have significant economic consequences, not just in the Pacific Northwest but across the entire United States.”

The ongoing strike of 33,000 Boeing workers could total a regional economic loss of more than $1.65 billion after just 20 days, according to NAM calculations.

Timmons added, “This disruption will resonate far beyond Washington state. The aerospace supply chain and manufacturers in the U.S. are interconnected deeply, and a continued halt in production will have devastating effects on our country.”

-NAM-

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.87 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org

Washington, D.C. – Following comments from President Biden that he will not intervene in the strike at East and Gulf Coast ports, National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement:

“Manufacturers call on President Biden to intervene by invoking the Taft-Hartley Act, which will force ports to resume operations while negotiations continue.

“There will be dire economic consequences on the manufacturing supply chain if a strike occurs for even a brief period. NAM estimates show a strike at the East and Gulf Coast ports would jeopardize $2.1 billion in trade daily, and the total economic damage could reduce GDP by as much as $5 billion per day.

“The president can protect manufacturers and consumers by exercising his authority, and we hope he will act quickly.”

Background:

NAM estimates find that $2.1 billion worth of trade would be at risk every day, and additional estimates have indicated that a strike would reduce GDP by up to $5 billion per day, only some of which could be recovered as goods are rerouted or after a shutdown ends.

Major Commodities Moving Through East and Gulf Coast Ports

• Imports
  • 77.6% of coffee and tea
  • 77.2% of beverages and spirits
  • 58.5% of medical/surgical instruments
• Exports
  • 62.1% of fertilizers
  • 76.3% of vehicles
  • 78.5% of wood pulp used in Europe for heat, diapers, etc.
  • 62.5% of medical/surgical instruments

-NAM-

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.87 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Washington, D.C. – Following the U.S. Trade Representative’s announcement on the continuation of Section 301 tariffs on China and the White House’s announcement on de minimis, National Association of Manufacturers Vice President of International Policy Andrea Durkin released the following statement:

“A trade war never benefits anyone, and this announcement ignores the realities of today’s economy, potentially harming manufacturers’ ability to grow and invest in the U.S. Manufacturers operate in a rapidly shifting global economy, where tariffs have the potential to affect every industry and every product. To stay competitive, manufacturers must have the flexibility to apply for exclusions as market dynamics change. Without this process, companies of all sizes will be crippled by rigid policies that stifle growth and innovation.

“Raising the cost of critical clean energy inputs, without offering a process for exclusions, directly undermines the Biden administration’s goal of boosting clean energy manufacturing in the U.S. Policymakers must ask tough questions: Are we issuing permits for more domestic aluminum smelters and critical minerals refining for energy production applications? Will wafer and battery production be exempt from regulatory hurdles to ensure automotive and high-tech manufacturing is not slowed? The White House also announced today it will propose a rule significantly altering how goods enter our borders under de minimis, subjecting hundreds of millions of additional packages to scrutiny by CBP—which raises the question of how we will ensure that manufacturing supply chains are not disrupted by this massive new burden on the agency charged with protecting our ports of entry.

“These questions all point to one fact—that tariffs often fail to address the underlying problems they’re supposed to solve, while often complicating manufacturers’ efforts to improve the quality of life for everyone. We are asking the administration to implement an exclusion process that fairly accounts for the unintended consequences of tariffs on our industry’s ability to create jobs and reach the 95% of customers around the world.”

-NAM-

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.89 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Manufacturers announced that Victoria Bloom, who was most recently the economist for the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee minority staff, joined the NAM and its 501(c)3 workforce development and education affiliate, the Manufacturing Institute, this summer.

“Manufacturing in the U.S. is a life-changing force for good, providing well-paying jobs and career opportunities and products that improve the quality of life for everyone,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “Victoria will help us tell this story with compelling data, which will demonstrate the real impact of policy decisions and illustrate the modern manufacturing resurgence.”

“With Victoria joining the MI team as the head of research, we can look forward to augmenting the MI’s insights and tailored solutions to manufacturers’ hiring and retention challenges. Victoria will helm the development of a portfolio of studies, aimed at exploring our industry’s workforce and competitiveness obstacles and opportunities. Her work will be instrumental toward helping manufacturers build the next-generation workforce of today and tomorrow,” said MI President and Executive Director Carolyn Lee.

Bloom, who holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Louisiana State University and a master’s degree from George Mason University, previously worked for Sen. David Perdue (R-GA) and Rep. Gary Palmer (R-AL), in addition to her work on the Senate Commerce Committee. As Senate Commerce Committee economist, she served as lead economic and budgetary adviser to Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-TX) and the minority committee staff. 

Bloom will work closely with NAM leadership to design and execute original research, including the NAM’s quarterly Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey. She will provide NAM members, policymakers and media with the latest economic analysis on trends impacting the manufacturing industry and workforce, as well as the broader economy.

-NAM-

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.87 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org

Washington, D.C. – Following the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to delay the deadline for when companies must submit records dating back to 2011 on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, otherwise known as PFAS, National Association of Manufacturers Vice President of Domestic Policy Chris Phalen released the following statement:

“We are pleased to see the EPA delay this retroactive reporting requirement—as the NAM has called for—which will temporarily prevent an increase in the regulatory burden facing manufacturers. More broadly, today’s announcement reflects the massive administrative burden this proposal would impose on both the business community and regulators, while failing to provide insights for effective and prioritized public health efforts. We urge the agency to reverse course entirely, unless and until it has the capacity to effectively enforce the standard.”

-NAM-

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.87 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Washington, D.C. – Following the Canada Industrial Relations Board’s decision ordering rail workers back to work and carriers back to operations, National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement:

“Manufacturers in the U.S. and in Canada were rightly concerned about the serious impact of a work stoppage that would harm workers, the economy and the quality of life for the many millions who depend on our products. As I discussed with Prime Minister Trudeau in July, if rail traffic were to grind to a halt, workers, small businesses and communities on both sides of our border would be hardest hit. Thankfully, the prime minister and Minister of Labour and Seniors Stephen MacKinnon heard our concerns and took decisive action to avert a significant disruption.

“The manufacturing industry is the engine of the North American economy. The conclusion of this stage of the negotiations means that this engine will continue humming. It is welcome news to manufacturers of all sizes, who count on tens of billions of dollars in cross-border trade between the U.S. and Canada—and the supply chains that make it possible to create life-saving products for hundreds of millions of people.”

-NAM-

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.89 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org

Washington, D.C. – As concerns mount about a potential work stoppage around Canada’s rail network that affects the entire North American manufacturing supply chain, National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement:

“North American manufacturing supply chains depend on functioning rail links. If rail traffic grinds to a halt, businesses and families across the country will feel the impact. Manufacturing workers, their communities and consumers of all sorts of products will be left reeling from supply chain disruptions. Rail transport between Canada and the United States moves billions of dollars of goods every month, and according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 14% of the total trade value between our two countries in June 2024. We’ve seen the impact of disruptions at the Canadian border before, and it’s imperative that we avoid another stoppage.

“The flow of materials and products across the U.S.-Canada border is already slowing as preparations are made for a potential work stoppage. Policymakers in the U.S. and Canada must recognize that the stability and reliability of critical supply chains—which directly affects our quality of life—depends on efficient movement of goods across the border.”

Additional data: Total trade flows between Canada and the U.S. via rail in June 2024 were $9.131 billion, representing roughly 14% of total trade flows between the two countries via all modes of transport. Imports totaled $5.319 billion, while exports totaled $3.812 billion. In the first six months of 2024, total trade flows via rail were $55.657 billion. In 2023, total trade flows via rail were $113.860 billion.

-NAM-

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.89 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.