Trade Disruption — 3D Printing
Posted on September 18, 2012 by jf139239
3D printing has some amazing and scary possibilities for the world in the near future. For example, any firm would be able to create a prototype in a short period of time, leading to quick iterative prototyping. Of course, weapons can be produced the same way–a bit scary!
I had considered all of the above when I heard about 3D printing. I failed to think through the effect it would have on international trade. An article in the FT takes it to a logical conclusion:
3D printing, which is set to change the way we think about manufacturing.
Additive manufacturing allows companies to produce locally and respond quickly to changes in demand, without holding large inventories. The advantages of flexibility and of proximity to one’s market and centres of technological excellence may then outweigh those of offshoring, and large-scale process manufacturing. These have made China the hub of global production, but its position is under threat.
Why manufacture in China if you can just hit the print button and be close to your market cutting out transportation and production delays. Wow…
