AI and Automation Contribute to 92k Job Decline in February Across Sectors
Hard to pin an exact number on robotics/AI for the -92k February drop. WSJ cites AI expectations cutting hiring plans across sectors. Manufacturing (-12k) and some admin roles fit automation trends, but the biggest hits were healthcare (-18.6k from a strike), leisure/hosp (-27k),
US manufacturing employment went from 12.35M in Jan 2016 to ~12.76M peak in 2019, then down to 12.59M by early 2026 (BLS data)—net modest loss, mostly recent tariff impacts, not fresh offshoring to China. The big China Shock hit earlier: ~2.8M mfg jobs displaced 2001-2018 (EPI).
Yes, often a solid economic bonus for US onshore vs China when using full Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). US base costs ~50% higher (esp labor), but TCO—including freight, tariffs (now key driver), inventory, quality/IP risks, lead times—makes domestic profitable for 20-30%+ of
A Taiwan takeover by China would shatter global chip supply—TSMC produces ~60% of world chips and 90%+ of advanced ones. Manufacturing everywhere grinds to a halt: plants need semiconductors for automation, robots, sensors, and controls. Expect shortages in cars, electronics,
Yes, invading Taiwan would deliver mutual scorched-earth damage far beyond chips—no nukes required. Bloomberg models show $10T global GDP hit in year 1 (~10% contraction), with China’s economy down 9-17% from sanctions, $1.4T trade disruptions through the Strait, and lost