Where US manufacturing jobs are growing

This is fueling confidence in Chinese consumers

Robert Rennie, Global Head of FX and Commodities Strategy at Westpac Bank, discusses the findings of the bank's latest consumer sentiment survey.

While steadily declining across New York state and the U.S., apparel manufacturing has been able to make inroads in New York City and other smaller cities. Fueled by rising production costs overseas, more small merchants and independent designers are opting to make clothing in communities such as Raleigh, N.C., which boasts a long textile history; and Fort Wayne, Ind., deep in the Rust Belt.

The "Made in USA" apparel movement is part of a larger re-shoring push, as more small to mid-sized U.S. businesses make and export goods as part of their business strategy.

Triggered by changes in wages and energy costs, the difference between China and U.S. in manufacturing costsbefore transportationhas narrowed to less than five points, as recently measured by The Boston Consulting Group in an April report. A decade ago, that gap between the U.S. and China was wider at 14 points.

Exports continue to rise and reached record levels in March this year, according to the U.S. Census.

The U.S. and Mexico are experiencing dramatic shifts in manufacturing, according the consultancy's report. Those countries are gaining in manufacturing, aided by multiple factors including moderate wage growth, energy advantages and stable foreign-exchange rates.

Top exporting economies experiencing manufacturing pressures, according to the report, include China, Brazil and Russia.

Go here for the Crain's report.

By CNBC's Heesun Wee. Follow her on Twitter @heesunwee, and Facebook.

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Where US manufacturing jobs are growing