globalEDGE Blog - By Tag: transport-manufacturing-blog-series

In the last blog of this week's series, we take a look at the airplane manufacturing industry.

2017 has proved to be a successful year for airplane manufacturing so far. The industry experienced a surge in aircraft orders in February, putting it on track for a record year of directories. In the United Kingdom, in particular, the number of commercial aircraft ordered by airlines jumped to 43 last month from just 4 in February of the previous year, according to the Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Group. These figures are based on orders from Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier (Canada), Comac (China), and Irkut (Russia).

Part four of our transport manufacturing blog series examines the role emerging markets play in the industry.

Emerging markets are proving to be key areas for future growth in the transport manufacturing industry. The 2017 Emerging Markets Index from Agility and Transport Intelligence shows continued strength in logistics, infrastructure, and investment potential for large emerging markets, including the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia. According to the index, countries such as India and Kazakhstan significantly strengthened their business capacity over the past year, warranting further attention from international logistics executives. In addition, China, India, and Brazil have become a hotspot for automotive and aircraft sales. Despite frequently cited concerns in dealing with emerging markets—government corruption, tax laws, and customs—more corporations within the transport manufacturing industry are hoping to expand their business in these countries.

In part three of our transport manufacturing blog series, we look at high speed trains.

In 2013, the Japanese government set the goal of tripling its infrastructure exports, such as nuclear plants and bullet trains, to a nearly $262 billion valuation in hopes of continuing to bolster its economic growth. Pros for the Shinkansen bullet train include a sound safety record, low emissions, and punctuality, but despite its technological advancements, foreign buyers remain unconvinced of the feasibility of the bullet trains.

In part two of this week's transport manufacturing blog series, we look at current issues affecting international trade in the auto industry.

Implemented in 1994, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) consists of a trilateral compromise signed by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The initial goal of NAFTA was to eliminate barriers to trade and investment between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Prior to NAFTA, American cars sold in the United States were made almost exclusively in the U.S., and most vehicles were sold in the market in which they were made. When NAFTA came into effect, U.S. automakers began diffusing their production across the trade zones, particularly taking advantage of the cheaper labor and lower production costs in Mexico. But, according to various economists, it is unclear if scrapping NAFTA would shift plants and jobs back to the United States.

This week, the globalEDGE blog is diving into the transport manufacturing industry. Over the next four days, we will take a look at automotive, airplane, and train manufacturing, along with a blog on the impact of emerging markets on the global industry.

The transportation manufacturing industry is comprised of businesses that manufacture vehicles, vehicle parts, and the infrastructure that supports them. Sectors in the industry include passenger cars, semi-trailer trucks, container ships, airplanes, and trains. Although most picture major companies such as Ford, Toyota, Boeing, or Airbus when thinking of the industry, smaller businesses that supply the parts and electronics are equally important.