The belief that China relies on universally “cheap” labor is largely a myth. While wages were incredibly low during the late 20th century, decades of economic development, rapid wage growth, and high productivity have transformed the country into an advanced manufacturing hub rather than simply a low-cost production center.
Yes, the super high wages in China have gotten to a point where BYD’s average employee in China (that includes everything from manufacturing to top level leadership) makes about a third of what a manufacturing employee in the IG Metall union makes in Germany.
It’s like I keep saying. If the west wants to even dream of being competitive with Chinese manufacturers, unions need to go bye-bye. Or we can tariff the subsidized + cheap labour cars.
The belief that China relies on universally “cheap” labor is largely a myth. While wages were incredibly low during the late 20th century, decades of economic development, rapid wage growth, and high productivity have transformed the country into an advanced manufacturing hub rather than simply a low-cost production center.
https://www.aiu.edu/innovative/the-myth-of-cheap-chinese-labor-unpacking-a-complex-reality/
This is being fueled by a strong STEM educations system, whereas US education has been degrading since the 60s and university standards are a joke.
https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2026/5/28/harvard-grade-cap-data/
Yes, the super high wages in China have gotten to a point where BYD’s average employee in China (that includes everything from manufacturing to top level leadership) makes about a third of what a manufacturing employee in the IG Metall union makes in Germany.
It’s like I keep saying. If the west wants to even dream of being competitive with Chinese manufacturers, unions need to go bye-bye. Or we can tariff the subsidized + cheap labour cars.