[lbo-talk] Apple supply chain, profits, offshoring, etc.

[Wojtek S]

"Value added" can be misleading.  People who make the product "add
value" and so do those who sell the product for its "exchange value"
as a certain German dude argued over 100 years ago.  From the charts
supplied on the paper it appears that the former get bupkes - some
1.8% of the total "value added."  Is such division of value added
supposed to be a cause celebere for champions of labor rights?

Wojtek

On Thu, Oct 13, 2011 at 5:54 PM, Doug Henwood <dhenwood at panix.com> wrote:
> [Joanna Bujes sent along the abstract and charts, but since the list software blocks attachments, I'm forwarding the link and the abstract.]
>
> http://pcic.merage.uci.edu/papers/2011/Value_iPad_iPhone.pdf
>
> Abstract
>
> This article analyzes the distribution of value from innovation in the global supply chains of the Apple iPad and iPhone. We find that Apple continues to capture the largest share of value from these innovations. While these products, including most of their components, are manufactured in China, the primary benefits go to the U.S. economy as Apple continues to keep most of its product design, software development, product management, marketing and other high-wage functions in the U.S. China’s role is much smaller than most casual observers would think. A key finding for managers is that they need to beware of relying too heavily on single customers. With its control over the supply chain, Apple has the power to make and break the fortunes of many of its suppliers. A key finding for policymakers is that there is little value in electronics assembly. Bringing high-volume electronics assembly back to the U.S. is not the path to “good jobs” or economic growth.
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