The new iMAC desktop computers are being assembled in the USA. There are many reasons why these units are now being made locally instead of in China like they have been in the past.
Some believe that this is just a publicity stunt to make the world's second most valuable company look good in the eyes of the world. Previously Apple contracted with Foxconn Technology in china where the working conditions were so bad that the company put up suicide nets to prevent deaths.
This may be true, however, wages for Chinese workers in the private sector have risen almost 20 percent in the last year. This is closing the labor gap between American and Chinese workers.
It is difficult to monitor quality control in China and China has suddenly experienced a lack of experienced labor. The people who work for Foxconn experience a dramatic decrease in their standard of living once they move to the city. Most elect to stay in rural areas.
The Chinese government has also defied the US government on all foreign policy objectives. This includes environmental impacts, poor working conditions and the manipulation of it's currency.
It remains to be seen if other American and Multinational companies follow Apple's lead. It will be interesting to see what kind of impact the loss of manufacturing jobs will have on the Chinese economy and will China make concessions to try and reverse the trend?
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