I hope you aren’t buying all of their propaganda. Germany with its manufacturing sector can maintain a degree of financial strength, but they need the European Union to be a captive export market as well as to regulate them through their proxies in Brussels. The only way they have been able to get this far is to have the USA act as world policeman. It’s impossible to pay for a welfare state indefinitely, no matter what, either way.
I cited the highest corporate tax rates, not the average, incidentally. The USA’s corporate tax rate is the highest in the world; that’s why jobs have been fleeing.
There is no doubt that Germany benefits from being in the EU and using the Euro, which helps them be more competitive in the global market. The Germans have found a niche market for its high end products such as automobiles. There is also close cooperation between the German government and corporations to ecourage exports and push German products.
I cited the highest corporate tax rates, not the average, incidentally
35% is the highest federal corporate tax rate.
The USA’s corporate tax rate is the highest in the world; that’s why jobs have been fleeing.
Most corporations don't pay the highest rate. That aside, I think corporations (mostly multinationals) are fleeing the US due to cheaper labor, less government regulations, and a more welcoming business environment. I have been to China to see the factories built by multinational corporations. They are at the top of the line technologically and the corporations can recruit a workforce that is just as educated and capable as in the US at far less cost. They don't have to worry about unions, environmental regulations, and lawsuits. And yes taxation of their earnings is less. If I had to choose one factor above all others, it would be cheap, educated labor with a high work ethic.
The only way we can get many of these manufacturing jobs back is thru other factors such as cheap energy, an improved business climate, more certainity in terms political stability and property rights and less regulations. I don't see that happeing under Obama or Hillary when she is elected in 2016. It is not about jobs but ideology.