GITNUXREPORT 2025

Hr In The Secondary Industry Statistics

Secondary industry employs 25%, boosts productivity, and drives global economic growth.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

R&D expenditure in manufacturing industries globally increased by 12% in 2022

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The chemical manufacturing sector saw a 5% increase in output in 2022, reaching a total value of $3 trillion globally

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The global plastics manufacturing industry is valued at approximately $530 billion, with an annual growth rate of about 4%

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The average wage in manufacturing industries in OECD countries was approximately $50,000 annually in 2022

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The secondary industry’s total R&D spending in mature economies surpasses $300 billion annually, driving innovation and competitiveness

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Investment in green manufacturing technologies increased by 22% in 2023, reflecting a shift towards sustainable industry practices

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The secondary industry sector in Africa is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% through 2025, driven by industrialization efforts

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Global investments in industrial AI solutions reached $4 billion in 2022, promoting smarter manufacturing processes

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The average annual investment in automation technology in manufacturing industries is estimated at $2.5 billion across key markets

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Recycling rates in metal manufacturing industries have increased to 75% in developed countries

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The secondary industry has seen a 10% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2015 due to greener manufacturing practices

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The use of renewable energy sources in manufacturing has grown by 18% globally since 2019, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels

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The textile sector’s use of sustainable and organic fibers increased by 20% in 2022, reflecting a shift towards eco-friendly practices

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Heavy industry sectors such as steel, cement, and shipbuilding are responsible for about 40% of industrial water withdrawals, impacting local water resources

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The automotive manufacturing sector contributes approximately $2.7 trillion to global GDP

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The secondary industry’s contribution to GDP varies significantly by country, ranging from 15% in some developing nations to over 40% in advanced economies

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The secondary industry's contribution to global pollution includes roughly 35% of total industrial CO2 emissions

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The secondary industry's share of global energy consumption is roughly 25%, highlighting the sector’s significant energy needs

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In 2022, manufacturing contributed to 16% of global GDP

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The global steel industry produced around 2 billion tonnes of steel in 2022

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The secondary industry sector's energy consumption accounts for roughly 20% of total industrial energy use worldwide

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The number of patents filed in manufacturing industries worldwide increased by 15% in 2022, indicating innovation activity

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The production of electronic components within secondary industries saw a 12% growth globally in 2022, driven by increased demand for consumer electronics

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Globally, around 80% of manufacturing firms are small or medium-sized enterprises, emphasizing the sector's fragmentation

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The employment elasticity in secondary industries overall is around 0.3, meaning that a 1% increase in industrial output results in a 0.3% increase in employment

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The secondary industry’s contribution to global commodity exports is approximately 40%, including metals, chemicals, and machinery

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The global secondary industry’s contribution to employment in emerging economies is higher, often exceeding 30% of total industrial employment

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The average turnover rate for factory workers in emerging markets is around 15-20% annually

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The primary markets for machinery exports from the secondary industry include the US, China, and Germany, accounting for over 60% of total exports

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The global shipbuilding industry generates roughly $130 billion annually, with China, South Korea, and the US leading production

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The average factory worker in Southeast Asia works about 48 hours per week, exceeding recommended standards

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In 2023, about 30% of secondary industry firms reported experiencing supply chain disruptions due to geopolitical tensions

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The average factory employee in Latin America earns approximately $8,500 annually, less than half of their counterparts in North America

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The global industry of machinery manufacturing is valued at over $400 billion, with key markets including China, Germany, and the US

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The global chemical industry’s exports account for approximately $150 billion annually, with a growing share directed to Asia

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Automation has increased productivity in secondary industries by roughly 30% over the past decade

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The average age of machinery in the manufacturing sector is around 10-12 years, impacting productivity and maintenance costs

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Automation and robotics in secondary industries have led to a 22% decrease in workplace injuries over the past decade

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The energy efficiency in manufacturing plants has improved by around 25% since 2010 due to technological advancements

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The adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies has increased productivity in manufacturing by an average of 35%

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Around 55% of manufacturing firms in developed countries have adopted some form of digital twin technology

Statistic 42

The average lead time for manufacturing components has decreased by 20% due to just-in-time production methods

Statistic 43

The use of additive manufacturing (3D printing) in secondary industries has increased by 25% annually since 2018, enhancing customization and reducing waste

Statistic 44

Over 60% of secondary industry companies in developed nations have adopted ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems to streamline operations

Statistic 45

The number of industrial robots installed globally reached approximately 3 million units in 2022, representing a 15% increase from the previous year

Statistic 46

The adoption rate of predictive maintenance technologies in manufacturing is estimated at 30-40% in developed countries, reducing unplanned downtime

Statistic 47

Machine learning algorithms are now used in quality control processes in over 50% of manufacturing plants globally, improving defect detection

Statistic 48

The secondary industry has seen a 12% increase in digital transformation investments since 2020, enhancing production efficiency

Statistic 49

Over 70% of secondary industry firms in Asia have implemented some form of automation, significantly boosting productivity

Statistic 50

The adoption of digital twins in manufacturing has grown by 40% since 2020, helping optimize processes and maintenance

Statistic 51

The global market for industrial sensors is valued at over $12 billion, with a CAGR of around 8%, supporting automation and safety

Statistic 52

In the steel industry, the use of electric arc furnaces has increased by 25% over the past five years, reducing reliance on traditional blast furnaces

Statistic 53

About 45% of manufacturing firms have integrated IoT solutions for asset management, enhancing operational visibility

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The secondary industry accounts for approximately 25% of global employment

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Women represent about 28% of employees in manufacturing industries worldwide

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The secondary industry in China employs over 20 million people, representing about 20% of the national workforce

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Approximately 65% of new jobs created in the secondary industry are in logistics and warehousing

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In developed countries, about 35% of secondary industry jobs require some level of technical training

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In 2023, approximately 40% of secondary industry firms reported difficulties in hiring skilled labor

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The textile manufacturing industry employs around 60 million people globally, with a significant portion in developing countries

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Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make up about 70% of secondary industry employment in Europe

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The automotive industry’s adoption of electric vehicles has increased manufacturing employment in the secondary industry by 8% since 2020

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The secondary industry in India employs over 50 million people, which is about 20% of the country’s workforce

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The share of women in manufacturing leadership roles is approximately 16% globally, with higher percentages in Scandinavian countries

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The average age of workers in manufacturing industries in developed countries is around 43 years, indicating an aging workforce

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The median annual salary of skilled trades in manufacturing industries in the United States is approximately $60,000, higher than many other sectors

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Approximately 50% of manufacturing firms in Europe reported investing in workforce upskilling programs in 2022, aiming to meet technological demands

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Key Highlights

The secondary industry accounts for approximately 25% of global employment
In 2022, manufacturing contributed to 16% of global GDP
The average turnover rate for factory workers in emerging markets is around 15-20% annually
Women represent about 28% of employees in manufacturing industries worldwide
The secondary industry in China employs over 20 million people, representing about 20% of the national workforce
Automation has increased productivity in secondary industries by roughly 30% over the past decade
Approximately 65% of new jobs created in the secondary industry are in logistics and warehousing
The global steel industry produced around 2 billion tonnes of steel in 2022
R&D expenditure in manufacturing industries globally increased by 12% in 2022
In developed countries, about 35% of secondary industry jobs require some level of technical training
The secondary industry sector's energy consumption accounts for roughly 20% of total industrial energy use worldwide
The automotive manufacturing sector contributes approximately $2.7 trillion to global GDP
The average age of machinery in the manufacturing sector is around 10-12 years, impacting productivity and maintenance costs

Unlocking the future of global economies, the secondary industry—accounting for a quarter of worldwide employment and pivotal in shaping innovation and sustainability—continues to transform through automation, skill development, and green practices.

Economic Trends and Investment

R&D expenditure in manufacturing industries globally increased by 12% in 2022
The chemical manufacturing sector saw a 5% increase in output in 2022, reaching a total value of $3 trillion globally
The global plastics manufacturing industry is valued at approximately $530 billion, with an annual growth rate of about 4%
The average wage in manufacturing industries in OECD countries was approximately $50,000 annually in 2022
The secondary industry’s total R&D spending in mature economies surpasses $300 billion annually, driving innovation and competitiveness
Investment in green manufacturing technologies increased by 22% in 2023, reflecting a shift towards sustainable industry practices
The secondary industry sector in Africa is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% through 2025, driven by industrialization efforts
Global investments in industrial AI solutions reached $4 billion in 2022, promoting smarter manufacturing processes
The average annual investment in automation technology in manufacturing industries is estimated at $2.5 billion across key markets

Economic Trends and Investment Interpretation

With global manufacturing R&D soaring by 12%, investments in green tech up 22%, and industrial AI hitting $4 billion, it’s clear that the secondary industry isn't just producing goods — it's engineering a smarter, more sustainable future, even as wages in OECD countries hover around $50,000 and Africa's industry accelerates at 4.5%.

Environmental and Material Usage

Recycling rates in metal manufacturing industries have increased to 75% in developed countries
The secondary industry has seen a 10% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2015 due to greener manufacturing practices
The use of renewable energy sources in manufacturing has grown by 18% globally since 2019, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels
The textile sector’s use of sustainable and organic fibers increased by 20% in 2022, reflecting a shift towards eco-friendly practices
Heavy industry sectors such as steel, cement, and shipbuilding are responsible for about 40% of industrial water withdrawals, impacting local water resources

Environmental and Material Usage Interpretation

While developed nations lead the charge with boosted recycling rates and greener manufacturing, the heavy industries still cast a large shadow over water resources, reminding us that sustainability is a journey with many moving parts.

Industry Contribution

The automotive manufacturing sector contributes approximately $2.7 trillion to global GDP
The secondary industry’s contribution to GDP varies significantly by country, ranging from 15% in some developing nations to over 40% in advanced economies
The secondary industry's contribution to global pollution includes roughly 35% of total industrial CO2 emissions
The secondary industry's share of global energy consumption is roughly 25%, highlighting the sector’s significant energy needs

Industry Contribution Interpretation

While the automotive manufacturing sector fuels the global economy with $2.7 trillion and dominates secondary industry contributions—up to 40% in some advanced nations—it also steeringly pumps out 35% of industrial CO2 emissions and consumes a quarter of the world's energy, underscoring its pivotal yet environmentally taxing role.

Industry Contribution and Workforce Composition

In 2022, manufacturing contributed to 16% of global GDP
The global steel industry produced around 2 billion tonnes of steel in 2022
The secondary industry sector's energy consumption accounts for roughly 20% of total industrial energy use worldwide
The number of patents filed in manufacturing industries worldwide increased by 15% in 2022, indicating innovation activity
The production of electronic components within secondary industries saw a 12% growth globally in 2022, driven by increased demand for consumer electronics
Globally, around 80% of manufacturing firms are small or medium-sized enterprises, emphasizing the sector's fragmentation
The employment elasticity in secondary industries overall is around 0.3, meaning that a 1% increase in industrial output results in a 0.3% increase in employment
The secondary industry’s contribution to global commodity exports is approximately 40%, including metals, chemicals, and machinery
The global secondary industry’s contribution to employment in emerging economies is higher, often exceeding 30% of total industrial employment

Industry Contribution and Workforce Composition Interpretation

In 2022, the secondary industry’s vital yet energy-intensive role—accounting for 16% of global GDP, producing 2 billion tonnes of steel, and powering nearly a third of manufacturing employment—underscores both its innovation and fragmentation, as it fuels a global export machine with a growing patent landscape and electronic component boom, all while reminding us that each 1% output bump yields only a modest 0.3% employment rise.

Regional Industry Insights

The average turnover rate for factory workers in emerging markets is around 15-20% annually
The primary markets for machinery exports from the secondary industry include the US, China, and Germany, accounting for over 60% of total exports
The global shipbuilding industry generates roughly $130 billion annually, with China, South Korea, and the US leading production
The average factory worker in Southeast Asia works about 48 hours per week, exceeding recommended standards
In 2023, about 30% of secondary industry firms reported experiencing supply chain disruptions due to geopolitical tensions
The average factory employee in Latin America earns approximately $8,500 annually, less than half of their counterparts in North America
The global industry of machinery manufacturing is valued at over $400 billion, with key markets including China, Germany, and the US
The global chemical industry’s exports account for approximately $150 billion annually, with a growing share directed to Asia

Regional Industry Insights Interpretation

While global secondary industries like machinery, shipbuilding, and chemicals thrive—fueling trade with China, Germany, and the US—an alarming dance of high turnover, extended work hours, and supply chain disruptions highlights that behind these booming figures lies a workforce often undervalued, overworked, and caught in geopolitical crossfire.

Technological Adoption and Automation

Automation has increased productivity in secondary industries by roughly 30% over the past decade
The average age of machinery in the manufacturing sector is around 10-12 years, impacting productivity and maintenance costs
Automation and robotics in secondary industries have led to a 22% decrease in workplace injuries over the past decade
The energy efficiency in manufacturing plants has improved by around 25% since 2010 due to technological advancements
The adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies has increased productivity in manufacturing by an average of 35%
Around 55% of manufacturing firms in developed countries have adopted some form of digital twin technology
The average lead time for manufacturing components has decreased by 20% due to just-in-time production methods
The use of additive manufacturing (3D printing) in secondary industries has increased by 25% annually since 2018, enhancing customization and reducing waste
Over 60% of secondary industry companies in developed nations have adopted ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems to streamline operations
The number of industrial robots installed globally reached approximately 3 million units in 2022, representing a 15% increase from the previous year
The adoption rate of predictive maintenance technologies in manufacturing is estimated at 30-40% in developed countries, reducing unplanned downtime
Machine learning algorithms are now used in quality control processes in over 50% of manufacturing plants globally, improving defect detection
The secondary industry has seen a 12% increase in digital transformation investments since 2020, enhancing production efficiency
Over 70% of secondary industry firms in Asia have implemented some form of automation, significantly boosting productivity
The adoption of digital twins in manufacturing has grown by 40% since 2020, helping optimize processes and maintenance
The global market for industrial sensors is valued at over $12 billion, with a CAGR of around 8%, supporting automation and safety
In the steel industry, the use of electric arc furnaces has increased by 25% over the past five years, reducing reliance on traditional blast furnaces
About 45% of manufacturing firms have integrated IoT solutions for asset management, enhancing operational visibility

Technological Adoption and Automation Interpretation

As secondary industries turbocharged by automation, digital twins, and Industry 4.0 technologies have not only boosted productivity by roughly a third but also transformed workplaces into safer, more efficient, and increasingly intelligent ecosystems—turning the factories of yesterday into the smart manufacturing marvels of today.

Workforce Composition

The secondary industry accounts for approximately 25% of global employment
Women represent about 28% of employees in manufacturing industries worldwide
The secondary industry in China employs over 20 million people, representing about 20% of the national workforce
Approximately 65% of new jobs created in the secondary industry are in logistics and warehousing
In developed countries, about 35% of secondary industry jobs require some level of technical training
In 2023, approximately 40% of secondary industry firms reported difficulties in hiring skilled labor
The textile manufacturing industry employs around 60 million people globally, with a significant portion in developing countries
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make up about 70% of secondary industry employment in Europe
The automotive industry’s adoption of electric vehicles has increased manufacturing employment in the secondary industry by 8% since 2020
The secondary industry in India employs over 50 million people, which is about 20% of the country’s workforce
The share of women in manufacturing leadership roles is approximately 16% globally, with higher percentages in Scandinavian countries
The average age of workers in manufacturing industries in developed countries is around 43 years, indicating an aging workforce
The median annual salary of skilled trades in manufacturing industries in the United States is approximately $60,000, higher than many other sectors
Approximately 50% of manufacturing firms in Europe reported investing in workforce upskilling programs in 2022, aiming to meet technological demands

Workforce Composition Interpretation

While the secondary industry fuels roughly a quarter of global jobs—particularly in textiles, automotive, and logistics—its aging workforce, gender disparities, and mounting skills gap suggest that adapting to technological change remains the industry's pressing test.