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Trump Tariff Turmoil: Latest hit may lead to price hikes and 'stagflation'
MSNBCยท2025-08-01 17:29

Economic Slowdown & Job Market - US economy's job growth has slowed, with an average of 85,000 jobs added per month this year, compared to 168,000 jobs per month last year [2] - The report indicates deepening cracks in the US economy, with businesses putting expansion plans on hold due to economic uncertainty [4] - Potential US economic growth has shifted down due to changes in the labor force [9] Impact of Tariffs & Trade Policies - Tariffs are slowing job growth and economic growth [3] - Tariffs are expected to increase prices over time, impacting consumers [22] - Deportation policies are having an effect on the labor markets [5] - Tariffs on products from countries like Canada (originally 25% to 35%) and Switzerland (39%) could impact various sectors, including lumber, cars, and medicines [18][19] - Tariffs on Brazilian products, such as beef (50%), could be felt by consumers [21] Inflation & Consumer Spending - There is a possibility of stagflation, where growth slows (currently at about 12% to 2% annual rate) and inflation picks up closer to 3% rather than 2% [6] - Consumer spending growth is half of what it was a year ago, indicating concern among American consumers [16] - Tariffs are raising costs on everyday products, impacting back-to-school, Thanksgiving, and Christmas shopping [12] White House Perspective - The White House is nervous about the economic situation and is preaching patience [17] - The current economy is producing half as many new jobs as the "Biden economy" did in 2024 [14]