**Trade Turmoil** What impact do tariffs have on local businesses? For Chris Bergen, who manages Bergen’s Greenhouses in Minnesota, tariffs mean stress. His business relies heavily on international supplies. Waiting for price quotes is nerve-wracking. Prices may rise, squeezing profits further. When will stability return? **A Tightrope Walk** Every June, Bergen imports millions of pounds of peat moss from Canada. Due to tariffs, suppliers hesitate to quote prices, leaving him in limbo. Meanwhile, plastic pots from China could become pricier. With margins already thin, any increase feels catastrophic. He describes his strategy, saying, ‘We’re not putting our foot on the brake, but we are taking our foot off the gas.’ How do others cope? **Listening to Concerns** This uncertainty exudes beyond Minnesota. The Federal Reserve, tasked with overseeing the economy, seeks clarity amid conflicting signals. Their regional officials meet local business leaders to gauge conditions. Neel Kashkari, president of the Minneapolis Fed, stresses the importance of these conversations. What answers will they uncover? **Cascading Effects** The ripple effects of Trump’s trade policies trouble many sectors. In Manchester, New Hampshire, Susan M. Collins talks to business owners. Rising costs and cutback orders paint a grim picture. Melissa Florio from Ambix Manufacturing describes her fears. Tariffs can lead to dramatic price increases. Will they drop orders simply to stay afloat? **Economic Crossroads** Meanwhile, consumers begin tightening their belts. Lower spending means cautious businesses. Yet unemployment rates remain low. Is this optimism misleading? The central bank now faces a challenging dilemma: how to balance rising inflation against stagnant growth. Does it risk further hurting the economy? **Voices of Concern** In another part of the country, Paul Okeson at Dynamic Homes feels the strain as well. Sourcing Canadian lumber while navigating potential tariffs proves tricky. He considers shelving urgent upgrades. Are small delays harmless, or do they signal larger issues ahead? **Business Paralysis** Casey Mittag, with Foltz Trucking, is retrenching too. With 120 trucks, his company navigates economic uncertainty. Should he invest in new equipment, or wait? As he weighs options, the decision looms heavy. Could hesitance lead to missed opportunities? **The Weight of Fear** As uncertainty grips the market, fears swirl of recession. Companies hesitant to invest stall growth. Tariffs fuel higher inflation and slow consumer demand. What does the future hold for the economy? **Complex Interplay** The Fed’s job grows more complicated. Past responses to recessions come into question. Maintaining stability while managing inflation has rarely faced such pressure. Will they pivot quickly, or remain cautious? **Confronting Costs** For business leaders, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Each day brings new challenges. The anxiety of commitment looms large. In economic discussions, what solutions will emerge? **A Changing Landscape** As tariffs impact local economies, many wonder, what’s next? Consumers expect rising costs, and business leaders anticipate tougher decisions. As they tread this turbulent path, are their concerns justified? Will the Fed’s careful watch lead to stability, or merely prolong uncertainty? **Hope Amid Chaos** Even in confusion, resilience shines through. Business owners seek adaptability amid chaos. How can they pivot and thrive? As conversations unfold, connections deepen. What’s the path forward when uncertainty reigns supreme?
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