GDP numbers disagree. We are still a world leading manufacturer and the world leader in services. We focus on building things that we have the largest comparati

GDP numbers disagree. We are still a world leading manufacturer and the world leader in services. We focus on building things that we have the largest comparative advantage. That means software, but not commodity electronics like RAM. Apple’s iPhone business collects the majority of worldwide smartphone profits. It’s iPad business collects the majority of tablet profits. It’s Macintosh business collects the majority of pc manufacturing profits. It does this by focusing on design, development, and usability, primarily through software. It keeps costs down by outsourcing assembly to Asia. If it brought that low value work back, it would make it shareholders and America poorer. It would sell fewer devices at higher prices, losing high paying developer jobs and all for a few more minimum wage level jobs. If US chip makers have competitive advantages they don’t need our help. If they don’t, helping them is diverting talented resources from better industries hat would have better increased our living standards.