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Article: Multifactor productivity in U.S. manufacturing, 1949-83.
- Article from:
- Monthly Labor Review
- Article date:
- October 1, 1987
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1987 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Multifactor productivity in U.S. manufacturing, 1949-83
The strong labor productivity advance exhibited by the U.S. economy over the 25 years following World War II gave way to sluggish growth beginning in the early 1970's. The manufacturing sector, which accounts for about 20 percent of gross national product, has experienced a similar pattern. Prior to about 1973, the rapid productivity growth in manufacturing contributed to swift increases in the U.S. standard of living, and also to a favorable international balance of payments. After 1973, and particularly during the late 1970's, manufacturing productivity growth fell short of its earlier performance.