West Michigan’s economy returned to a pattern of slow growth in August. The August survey of West Michigan purchasing managers indicates the tariff war scare in July may have passed.
“The fears that we had of the tariffs that were baring down on us didn’t actually come into fruition.”
Brian G. Long is director of Supply Management Research at the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University.
“Increased prices that were being demanded were not actually as real as they turned out to be. For that reason, our local companies became a heck of a lot more optimistic because the economy as a whole is of course doing very well here in West Michigan.”
While the light truck and SUV segments of the auto industry continue to perform sales of sedans continue to soften. The local office furniture industry remains positive. Long says the new tax structure is a benefit. And when it comes to local firms manufacturing capital equipment output is back to full strength after a July dip.
Patrick Center, WGVU News.