US trade deficit hits record high as businesses, consumers try to get ahead of Trump tariffs
U.S. trade deficit surged to a record $140.5B in March as businesses raced to import goods ahead of sweeping Trump tariffs, dragging on GDP growth.
Tariffs, policy shifts cloud economic outlook, Barkin says
Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin says U.S. economy looks solid by data, but tariff policies and uncertainty are clouding forecasts and business confidence.
Volvo to lay off 250-350 workers in Pulaski
Volvo plans to lay off 250 to 350 workers at its Pulaski County facility in June, according to John Mies, a spokesperson for Volvo Group North America. Between 300 and 450 employees will also be laid off at the company’s Mack Trucks Lehigh Valley Operations in Pennsylvania and at its Volvo Group Powertrain Operations in […]
Integer to expand operations in Salem, adding 83 jobs
Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Tuesday that global medical contract developer and manufacturing company Integer Holdings is expanding its operations in Salem, creating 83 jobs. A news release from the governor says the company plans to make a “significant investment” over the next five years to expand its operations at 200 S. Yorkshire St., but did […]
Boar’s Head agrees to $3.1M settlement tied to recalled meat products
Boar’s Head Provisions’ recall of 7 million pounds of deli meat due to a deadly listeria outbreak last year, which put 60 people in the hospital and killed 10 others, has resulted in a class action lawsuit and a proposed $3.1 million settlement. The July 2024 outbreak originated at Boar’s Head meat production facility in […]
North Carolina furniture manufacturer: Business is great; Trump’s tariffs are one reason
HIGH POINT — Last fall, Chris Morris saw an opportunity in residential upholstery manufacturing and decided to revise his business strategy to accommodate it. With an eye on upholstery manufacturers seeking out a domestic, private-label partner, Morris created a plan to increase production for residential upholstery at his Vision Contract Manufacturing factory in High Point. Less than [&hellip[...]
Vaughan-Bassett touts made-in-America inventory, vows no immediate price increases in wake of tariffs
Made-in-America bedroom and dining furniture manufacturer Vaughan-Bassett, which is headquartered in Galax, sent a letter to dealers and sales reps Thursday morning announcing no price increases for 120 days and discounts on certain items in wake of the tariffs announced Wednesday. “Given the great uncertainty created in the home furnishings marketplace as significant tariffs will […]
US electric vehicle industry is collateral damage in Trump’s escalating trade war
DETROIT (AP) — President Donald Trump‘s tariff blitz has sent shock waves throughout every aspect of the global economy, including the auto sector, where multi-billion-dollar plans to electrify in the United States are especially at risk. Here’s what consumers should know about the impact of tariffs on electric vehicles. Where does EV adoption stand in the U.S.? […]
US manufacturing worsens in March
TEMPE, Ariz. — U.S. manufacturing output contracted in March after two months of growth, which were preceded by 26 straight months of contraction. The Institute for Supply Management, which polls manufacturers, issued a monthly index of 49% for March, down 1.3 points from February. Any number below 50 indicates contraction. “In March, U.S. manufacturing activity […]
Could Hyundai be the Port of Charleston’s next big export customer?
The largest development project in Georgia history is open for business and there could be something in it for South Carolina, too, says the president and CEO of the Palmetto State’s port system. Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America on March 26 celebrated the official opening of a plant that will produce Hyundai, Kia and Genesis vehicles […]
Trump is set to announce ‘reciprocal’ tariffs in a risky move that could reshape the economy
WASHINGTON (AP) — After weeks of White House hype and public anxiety, President Donald Trump is set on Wednesday to announce a barrage of self-described reciprocal tariffs on friend and foe alike. The new tariffs, coming on what Trump has called “Liberation Day,” are a bid to boost U.S. manufacturing and punish other countries for what he says are […]
Pharma hub workforce training wins $3.9 million grant
The talent pipeline for the Richmond-Petersburg region’s growing advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing and biotech industries is getting a boost from a $3.9 million federal grant. Announced in mid-January, the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Good Jobs Challenge grant was awarded to the Community College Workforce Alliance in Disputanta, a shared division of Brightpoint and [...]