Export Composition and Manufacturing Employment in the U.S. During the Economic Downturn of 1991-92

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2002

Abstract

This paper examines the effect that export composition had upon manufacturing employment in the US during the 1991 recession. Although it takes, on average, approximately $66 000 in exports to create one job, the exact gains in terms of total employment depend upon the labour-intensity of the products being exported. Foreign sales by the chemical and textile industries result in a far greater increase in employment than exports by the petroleum refining or steel industries. This analysis estimates the employment effects of manufacturing exports over the 1989-95 period, utilizing an input-output model to capture both direct and indirect effects. The results demonstrate that export composition has, at times, both strengthened and reduced demand for labour. Consequently, if job-creation is a national goal, it may be in the interests of the US to promote exports from sectors that are labour-using.

Comments

Copyright 2002 The International Input-Output Association, published by Taylor & Francis (Routledge)

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Publication Title

Economic Systems Research

Published Citation

LeClair, Mark. 'Export Composition and Manufacturing Employment in the U.S. During the Economic Downturn of 1991-92.' Economic Systems Research 14.2 (2002): 147-156. doi:10.1080/09535310220140942.

DOI

10.1080/09535310220140942

Peer Reviewed

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