Manufacturing industries are high-technology industries that make complex products involving advanced technology. When the United States was a developing country in 1860, the structure of industry was much different. The leading industries were cotton goods, lumber, boots and shoes, flour milling, men's clothing, and then iron and machinery. These are basic industries supplying the needs of food, clothing, and shelter. This pattern of development of manufacturing industries is repeated in many other countries.
Industries progress from making basic goods to manufacturing advanced consumer and producer goods.
This life cycle is determined by the changing structure of the economy. The clothing, food, tobacco, lumber, automobile, and steel industries have all had their day as the leading manufacturers in the United States. They are now in decline. America's new industries are computers, semiconductors, aerospace, and communications. These industries are growing rapidly, employing more people, and using more raw materials and intermediate goods.