> Shipping things via train or boat is stupidly stupidly cheap, even across the planet both ways

Totally agree on shipping. There are other benefits to proximity, from lower geopolitical and supply-chain risk to tighter integration with design and the customer (due to enhanced information flow and lower latency).

Not just that but you are deeply underestimating the cost of automation compared to manufacturing margins, which in the middle market I really doubt is changing.

Unfortunately, human hands are still much cheaper than machines.

I see a fair bit of manufacturing in Chicago, and I don’t see any of these equations changing in the way that this article purports them to

Yeah but it adds a month of flow when you need to make clothes to the latest trends that’s way too long. Also you want to try samples and inspect the process so you need people on site all that adds friction.