We're No. 1, and It Hurts

The U.S. outruns the world, but some workers are left behind

To professional athletes -- when they are not on strike or locked out -- and their adoring fans, there is nothing so exultant, as the chant of "We're No. 1!" American business executives are getting somewhat the same feeling. Finally, finally, they are beating their Japanese, German, South Korean, Taiwanese, name-the-country rivals -- and in products like autos, machine tools and computer chips, where a few years ago they were being trounced. The U.S. firms are not only turning back an import invasion of American markets but also triumphing in so-called third-country export markets and even swiping some sales in Japan...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!