light industry

American  

[lahyt in-duh-stree] / ˈlaɪt ˈɪn də stri /

noun

light industries plural

1. a manufacturing sector or activity that uses relatively small amounts of power, raw materials, and space, typically having a smaller environmental impact and producing goods that are easier to transport (contrasted with heavy industry).

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Other Word Forms

• light industrial
  adjective
• light-industry
  adjective

Example Sentences

Using tax breaks and other incentives, the United States has attempted to build up first light industry, then a petrochemical economy, and later pharmaceuticals and electronics.

From Washington Post • Jan. 12, 2023

The report specified the main goals for 2023 in key sectors including metal, chemical, electricity, construction, agriculture and light industry, it added.

From Reuters • Dec. 26, 2022

This didn’t seem so crazy when the city had ample federal help and a thriving economy based on light industry like clothing manufacturing and its enormous port.

From Slate • Sep. 25, 2020

He wants to zone the planet for “residential and light industry only,” and take the dirtiest industrial work into the asteroid belt that orbits the sun between Mars and Jupiter.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2019

Increased oil production,   revived light industry, and expanded export processing zones helped   sustain GDP growth at 6.1% in 2003 and 7% in 2004.

From The 2004 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency