Marketplace All-in-One Across regions and sectors, inflation zigs and zags
Aug 12, 2025
This discussion dives into the surprising regional variations in inflation rates across U.S. cities, questioning why places like San Diego feel the economic pinch more than others. It also tackles the strains of long-term unemployment, the uncertainty around tariffs impacting businesses, and the unique story of the country's largest Black-owned construction firm. Personal anecdotes like launching a cocktail business during rising costs provide insights into the real-world effects of inflation and strategic resilience.
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Regional Inflation Can Diverge Sharply
- Inflation varies widely across U.S. metros largely because housing and local labor costs differ.
- Economists use regional CPI data to predict broader national trends.
Tariffs And Local Labor Shape Prices
- Tariffs and proximity to import sources can push up local goods prices differently across regions.
- Local labor supply shifts, like immigration enforcement, also change service price trajectories.
Small Importers Brace For Tariff Uncertainty
- Small importers like Barton O'Brien and Matthew Hassett stocked up early but now face inventory and pricing uncertainty.
- Many are pausing orders or shifting markets because unpredictable tariffs make U.S. sales too risky.
