Tariffs, Tech, and Hesitation - America’s Economy Is Treading Water

The July 2025 Beige Book paints a revealing picture: whilethe U.S. economy isn’t in crisis, it’s certainly stuck in a cautious stall. A central problem is that inflation, driven in large part by tariffs, is raising costs for producers and squeezing consumers, making businesses hesitate on hiring, investment, and expansion. One fact stands out—employment gains were only “very slight” across most districts, and the few areas showing growth are leaning heavily on technology or high-end services. Yet amid this slowdown lies a key benefit: some sectors are adapting through innovation, with AI and automation enabling productivity gains where labor falls short. This creates acritical industry insight—those who lean into efficiency and strategic skill-building now will outpace those paralyzed by uncertainty. Are you preparing your organization to thrive amid scarcity-driven adaptation, or waiting for the market to hand you a clearer signal?

#BeigeBook2025 #TariffEconomics #TechAndLabor#StrategicAdaptation #PolicyAndMarkets #AmericanEnterprise