Apple, as well as thousands of other North American companies, are moving their manufacturing operations overseas resulting in a direct loss of more than 20,000 jobs in the US alone and this loss is not temporary. At the first glance, this transfer of jobs seems to hinge on the difference in wages. However, a deeper look seems to point to the intrinsic characteristics of the labour forces available in other countries, such as China. Apple points to the flexibility, diligence, and industrial skills of the overseas workers, as well as faster manufacturing processes and shorter lead times. Has North America stopped producing people with skills companies need?

What are the pros and cons for local and overseas labor forces of Apple’s going global? What are the potential political implications for country relationships?