CompositesWorld
Issue link: https://cw.epubxp.com/i/791367
NEWS 19 CompositesWorld.com ACMA Looks at BIG Picture all composites industry players to engage with their sena- tors and representatives to help them better appreciate it. She suggested inviting lawmakers to visit manufactur- ing plants, to see, touch and feel composite materials and understand their value. Economist Robert Fry (Robert Fry Economics LLC, Hockessin, DE, US) looked at broader economic indica- tors for hints about the future, but did speak briefly to the roles of Trump and Congress. Although he generally favors regulatory, tax and energy-policy reform, he is opposed to backing out of trade deals, increased tariffs, deportations, and vilification of China and Mexico. Commenting on the latter, he noted that the best way to stem illegal immigra- tion from Mexico is to help the Mexico's economy get better, not worse. Regarding global oil supply and demand, Fry asserted that the world might reach peak demand before it reaches peak supply. Viewing the US amid the global market, Herb Meyer, a former intelligence analyst in the Reagan Administration, viewed the near term from the highest level. He billed his presentation as an "objective, agnostic" evaluation of the events and trends now shaping economic, demographic, religious and political systems. Meyer emphasized, first, what he called the "good, under- reported news," including that the world is getting richer, and that 50-100 million people escape poverty each year. The global middle class is showing exceptional growth as well, providing unprecedented opportunities for manufacturers. The biggest — again, under-reported — long-term chal- lenge the world faces, he said, is population growth, or the lack thereof. Many developed countries are expe- riencing subreplacement fertility, which means newer generations are smaller than the generations they replace. Sub-replacement fertility is a birthrate below 2.1 chil- dren born per woman, and developed countries exhibit the slowest rate of population growth. According to the Central Intelligence Agency's World Factbook, the fertility rate in the European Union is 1.6; in Japan it's 1.4; in the US it's 1.9. Even China, thanks to its "one child" policy, now has a reported fertility rate of 1.6. The problem is that the larger older generation puts economic pressure on the smaller younger generation by way of demand for socialized services, such as healthcare and retire- ment programs. Funding these programs, Meyer said, strains the active workforce and stunts economic growth. Fertility rates, by the way, are highest in developing countries. The good news? This global middle class will drive massive economic growth, and will need food, infrastruc- ture, education, healthcare and entertainment — all cate- gories, says Meyer, in which the US economy still excels. Five renowned companies known for their individual strengths united as one powerhouse – Unitech Aerospace. Together, we off er a broad range of capabilities including design, development, engineering, tooling, manufacturing, and life cycle support of composites, assemblies, and metallic fabrications. Let's create solutions. Together. Solutions. Together. www.unitech-aerospace.com COMPOSITES TOOL & MOLD UNITECH COMPOSITES PAUL FABRICATIONS TODS AEROSPACE TODS DEFENCE NORTH COAST AGC AeroComposites is now Unitech Aerospace.