“There are quite a few aircraft manufactures on these shores designing and building aircraft for the new sport class and they seem to be able to compete just fine...”
I’d like to see a comparison of the impact labor costs have vs. the government regulation costs. If you can dump your toxic chemicals in the back it certainly cheaper to manufacture.
They have to follow the same rules, and do... Again, take a trip to a vendor. Several I've been to are willing to take you on a plant tour.