The Impact Of Flat Glass Imports

The market for flat glass in the U.S.A is expanding, but the amount supplied by home producers remains fairly static, the increase being taken up by imports. Although the American industry makes full use of sophisticated automation it cannot bridge the cost-gap: wages are around $5 per hour compared with 90 cents in Japan and 35 cents in Taiwan. Sheet glass manufactures have been particularly hard hit and several have been forced to cease operations altogether. For the remainder the future contains the threat of float glass at sheet prices; hitherto sheet manufacturers have been refused float licenses, so plate glass firms have acquired a considerable lead in terms of operating experiences.