Economy
How tariffs could impact the availability of baby products
NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks with Steven Dunn founder and CEO of Munchkin a U.S.-based company selling lifestyle products for mothers, babies and children. Dunn has written an open letter to President Trump and Congress about how tariffs could harm his business and American families.
Trump calls for Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s ‘termination’ in blistering attack
President Trump lashed out at Powell for not acting sooner to lower interest rates. The president's own tariffs make that more difficult, by putting upward pressure on prices.
Tariffs make sour grapes for American winemakers
American winemakers tell us why tariffs hurt their industry.
Retail sales jump as people rush to buy cars ahead of tariffs
The key driver of the economy saw the biggest increase in over two years in March, as car buyers tried to get ahead of President Trump's tariffs on imported autos and auto parts.
Why is Alabama’s workforce participation rate so low? And what’s being done to improve it?
While Alabama boasts an unemployment rate that is among the lowest in the country, its workforce participation rate consistently lags the national average, meaning a large portion of Alabamians are neither employed nor actively seeking work. This has raised concerns both about barriers to employment for individuals and about the state’s economic future.
Hong Kong post office will stop shipping parcels to the U.S. over tariffs
Hong Kong is caught in the middle of the trade disputes between the U.S. and China despite being a free port. The former British colony has trade and customs policies different from mainland China's.
China put steep tariffs on U.S. exports. Farmers are worried
The first Trump administration spent $28 billion bailing out farmers during a trade war with China. The White House has said it's starting to look at how to help this time around.
Beijing slaps 125% tariffs on U.S. goods in latest U.S.-China trade escalation
China signals the latest tariff hike will be its last round of tit-for-tat measures, prompting sharp falls in European shares, as Asian stocks end the day mixed.
Why some are accusing Trump of manipulating stock markets
Senators Adam Schiff and Ruben Gallego have asked for "an urgent inquiry" into whether President Trump or others engaged in insider trading on advanced knowledge of his tariff policy changes.
Trump administration changes course on in-person requirements for Social Security
After announcing social security recipients would be required to appear in-person at office locations, the Trump administration is now backtracking.
Inflation is cooling — but Trump’s tariffs could upend things
Consumer prices in March were up 2.4% from a year ago — a smaller annual increase than forecasters had expected. While President Trump has suspended many of his new tariffs, import taxes that remain could push prices higher in the months to come.
Where do tariffs stand? A look at what’s in place and what’s on pause
Trump announced a 90-day pause on most country-specific tariffs, but left other duties in place. Here's a look at where things stand and what could happen next.
U.S. stocks slide again as euphoria over Trump’s tariff pause starts to fade
U.S. stocks fell a day after posting spectacular gains over President Trump's decision to pause many of his tariffs. Now, some of that relief is starting to fade.
Trump’s tariffs have been a source of both hope and fear among Gulf South industries
As Wall Street swings wildly under the weight of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs, reactions in the Gulf South are mixed.
U.S. stock markets bounce back after Trump tariffs shock — but nerves abound
After major slides in equity trading across the world, any slight uptick in stock prices will only repair part of the destruction of trillions of dollars in investor wealth over the past few days.
Tariffs are fueling fears of a recession. What does it take to actually declare one?
The Trump administration's tariffs are fueling concerns about a potential recession, with several major banks increasing their forecasts. What is recession and who declares one?
Are UAB officials mum about grant cuts because they fear a spiteful president?
Cuts to federal research grants could cost UAB $70 million a year, leading to layoffs and economic impacts beyond the campus. Some faculty and area leaders want UAB to be more vocal against the Trump administration cutbacks.
UAW President Shawn Fain explains why he supports Trump’s tariffs
Shawn Fein supports auto industry tariffs but calls broad tariffs "reckless."
Higher prices are likely for these 10 grocery items when tariffs hit
A trip to the grocery or liquor store is about to become even more expensive, economists say. From seafood to olive oil, these items will likely cost more under President Trump's tariffs.
Stocks sink in another brutal day, as Trump’s tariffs send global shockwaves
Investors, businesses and consumers all seem terrified of how President Trump's tariffs could upend the global economy.
The job market remains incredibly healthy — but the tariff storm could upend things
Employers added 228,000 jobs in March, showcasing a solid labor market. But uncertainty over tariffs and tepid consumer spending may weigh on job growth in the months to come.
How much will tariffs raise prices? Trump’s economists just revealed their answer
The administration revealed how they calculated the tariffs. Buried in that math is a straightforward answer to a question Trump has long refused to answer: How much will his tariffs raise prices?
Dow drops 1,500 points on trade war fears over new tariffs
President Trump announced sweeping tariffs on imported goods, which were higher and broader than many expected. The new import taxes are expected to raise prices and slow growth in the U.S., while pushing many other countries into recession.
Today is Trump’s ‘Liberation Day.’ What does that mean for tariffs?
President Trump has been promising new "reciprocal tariffs" to punish other countries for their tariffs and trade barriers. Markets are nervous that a trade war could hike prices and hurt the economy.
The U.S. already has tariffs on a few sectors. It hasn’t gone that great
The U.S. has generally kept tariffs low, but a few domestic industries have long been protected by import taxes and other trade barriers. They offer clues about how Trump's new tariffs might work out.
Why gold prices are surging to record highs
Tariffs are roiling stock markets — but making gold hotter than ever.
Crumbling trust in American institutions: A MAHA activist takes on Girl Scout cookies
A controversial study raised the specter that Girl Scout cookies are unsafe. Authorities say they are safe, but the whole saga highlights a breakdown of trust in American institutions.
More billionaires than ever ranked in Forbes’ annual list. Here are the top 10
There are now more than 3,000 billionaires in the world, according to Forbes' annual ranking of the wealthiest people. They collectively hold about $16.1 trillion in wealth.
Trump announces new 25 percent tariff on all cars made outside the U.S.
The president's latest action on trade enacts a 25% tariff on cars made outside of the U.S., continuing his trade policies focused on boosting American manufacturing.
How are inflation or tariffs affecting your shopping and budget? NPR wants to know
Whether you're a shopper or a seller, a worker or a business owner, you likely have a lot on your mind when it comes to budgeting, planning trips or big purchases. And we want to hear all about it.
The Fed holds interest rates steady as Trump’s trade agenda sparks uncertainty
The Fed held rates steady, but left the door open to cut them later this year if inflation continues to ease. Trump's tariffs, however, could complicate efforts to bring prices under control.
Data centers bring billions to Mississippi. Are the investments worth the risk?
State leaders have lauded the beginning of two new projects, but some industry experts said they come with big power demands and few permanent jobs.
