Goldman Sachs: Trump's Tariffs Won't Save U.S. Manufacturing, AI Technology Is the Solution

According to a report by Business Insider, analysts at Goldman Sachs believe that Trump's import tariff policy is unlikely to reverse years of decline in U.S. manufacturing. Instead, they suggest that robots and AI technology could provide the necessary turnaround for the American economy.
In a recent research report published on Thursday, Goldman Sachs analysts emphasized that what the U.S. economy really needs is a technological transformation. They pointed out that the acceleration of technological innovation is a key catalyst to reversing the long-term stagnation in manufacturing productivity.
Despite the rise of Chinese manufacturing, which has severely impacted American factories, the high profits previously generated by the computer and electronics manufacturing industry are declining, contributing to the demise of U.S. manufacturing.
While Trump's tariffs may help boost domestic manufacturing productivity, relying solely on tariffs will not resolve the underlying problems. Even considering tariffs, overseas production costs still remain significantly lower than those in the U.S. As the analysts noted, “China is likely to continue expanding its exports, supported by cost advantages and industrial policies.”
It's also noteworthy that various industries are integrating AI and robotics into their workflows and supply chains. For instance, Amazon has developed robots that handle simple tasks in its logistics centers. PepsiCo is utilizing AI to improve agricultural practices and increase profitability. The Swiss food packaging company Tetra Pak is using AI to create optimal cheese recipes that meet U.S. Food and Drug Administration standards. Furthermore, AI’s predictive capabilities are transforming factory maintenance practices, helping businesses analyze historical data to prevent costly equipment failures before they occur.
However, the increase in productivity may lead to job losses. Evidence suggests that companies are cutting positions that could be performed by AI, indicating that the labor market is undergoing a significant transformation.
More reports indicate that NVIDIA's stock has reached new heights, with CEO Jensen Huang stating that robots will present the greatest growth opportunity for chips outside of AI. Additionally, Foxconn is reportedly partnering with NVIDIA to deploy humanoid robots and produce AI servers in the United States. These developments reflect not only the strengthening of technological capabilities but also point to the future direction of the manufacturing industry.