Marketplace No, private data can't replace the BLS
40 snips
Sep 1, 2025 With federal data collection under pressure, the reliability of private economic statistics comes into question. Electric vehicle sales are surging as tax credits near expiration, stimulating dealership promotions. The essential role of government data in understanding demographics and environmental impacts is explored, especially concerning RV demand. The podcast also addresses the environmental issues tied to the RV industry's reliance on tropical plywood. Meanwhile, AI's rise in China presents new business challenges and innovations while shedding light on local resilience.
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Dealership Rush Before EV Tax Credit Deadline
- Jesse Lohr stockpiled used EVs after Congress set an end date for federal EV tax credits.
- His dealership saw sales jump over 40% as buyers rushed to qualify before credits expired.
Policy-Driven Surge In EV Sales
- Setting an expiration on tax credits created urgency and drove record EV sales in July.
- Dealers cleared inventory and buyers rushed purchases to capture thousands in subsidies before September 30.
Tariffs Shift Manufacturing Patterns Regionally
- Regional Fed surveys show mixed manufacturing effects from tariff uncertainty and higher import costs.
- Some districts saw activity bump as tariffs made imports pricier, while others faced soft demand and squeezed margins.