LONDON–Additive manufacturing is a disruptive technology that is transforming the manufacturing world. It’s also having an impact on the logistics industry.

According to a recent report from Fitch Ratings Ltd., a company that specializes in commercial credit ratings and research, ports in China, the United States and elsewhere may be exposed to the disruptive effects of 3D printing (3DP) technology on transportation infrastructure assets over the next 20 years.

“[Additive manufacturing] could reduce global trade, including reducing U.S. imports from China by 10 percent to 25 percent,” says George Abbatt, director of global infrastructure and project finance at Fitch Ratings. “Short- and medium-term risks are limited due to a still emerging technology uptake. “We expect 3DP to grow significantly over the next 20 years, potentially reaching about 3 percent of total global manufacturing,” explains Abbatt. “[The technology] is less labor intensive than traditional manufacturing and could reduce reliance on […]

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