Economy, tax policy, export market and regulations top issue concerns

The return of manufacturing jobs to the United States is a positive development, but there are several issues that will have to be resolved no matter who wins the election, according to Positive Manufacturing Gains Clouded by Uncertain Future, written by John D. Littler, president of Littler Diecast Corp. in Albany, Ind., for the North American Die Casters Assn.

Reshoring has accounted for about 50,000 manufacturing jobs over the past few years, but manufacturers still face a difficult economic environment, and growth continues to be slow. Manufacturers also need to know what tax rates will be like so they can plan ahead.

Neither party is strongly pro-trade in an election year, but access to export markets is an important issue for many manufacturers overall. Regulations on health care, banking and the environment are also affecting small and mid-size companies.