Losing world leadership in aerospace; Does anyone see a trend here?

Anyone who doubts the aerospace industry is moving overseas should look at figures provided by the industry’s top trade group, the Aerospace Industry Association.

Only 30 years ago, the U.S. exported $11.06 worth of aerospace products for every $1 we imported from overseas, AIA reports. By 1980, that margin was slashed by more than half, with the U.S. exporting only $4.36 of products for every $1 of imports. By 1990, the U.S. advantage had fallen even further, to only $3.31 of exports per $1 of imports.

Today, the U.S. sells only $1.96 worth of aerospace products overseas for every $1 we import. Once that 96-cent difference disappears, the U.S. will have lost world leadership in aerospace. Looking at the trend, how long will that take?