Final answer:
Bulk reducing industries are characterized by the fact that the finished product is lighter or cheaper to transport than the raw materials used in its production.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bulk reducing industries are characterized by the fact that the finished product is lighter or cheaper to transport than the raw materials used in its production. These industries typically have a raw material orientation, meaning they are located close to the source of the raw materials to minimize transportation costs. Examples of bulk reducing industries include lumber mills, where the finished lumber is lighter and easier to transport than the logs used to produce it. Another example is mining, where the extracted minerals are often much heavier and more expensive to transport than the ore they are mined from.